Electrical seatpost assembly

ABSTRACT

An electrical seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a guide member, a positioning structure, an electrical actuator, and an electrical device. The guide member is disposed between the first cylinder and the second cylinder to slidably guide the second cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The positioning structure is to adjustably position the second cylinder relative to the first cylinder in a telescopic direction. The electrical actuator is to actuate the positioning structure in accordance with an electrical signal. The electrical device is mounted to the first cylinder. An upper end of the electrical device is disposed above a lower end of the guide member in the telescopic direction in a mounting state where the first cylinder is mounted to a bicycle frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electrical seatpost assembly.

Discussion of the Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle. One bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned is aseatpost assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, anelectrical seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a secondcylinder, a guide member, a positioning structure, an electricalactuator, and an electrical device. The first cylinder comprises a firstend and a second end. The second end is opposite to the first end in atelescopic direction. The second cylinder is telescopically received inthe first cylinder from the first end. The guide member is disposedbetween the first cylinder and the second cylinder to slidably guide thesecond cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The positioningstructure is to adjustably position the second cylinder relative to thefirst cylinder in the telescopic direction. The electrical actuator isto actuate the positioning structure in accordance with an electricalsignal. The electrical device is mounted to the first cylinder. An upperend of the electrical device is disposed above a lower end of the guidemember in the telescopic direction in a mounting state where the firstcylinder is mounted to a bicycle frame.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the first aspect, anupper end of the electrical device is disposed above a lower end of theguide member in the telescopic direction in the mounting state where thefirst cylinder is mounted to the bicycle frame. Accordingly, it ispossible to utilize a space disposed around the guide member, allowingthe electrical seatpost assembly to be compact.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the first aspect is configuredso that the guide member is provided at the first end.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the second aspect, itis possible to utilize a space disposed around the first end of thefirst cylinder, allowing the electrical seatpost assembly to be compactwithout making a total length of the electrical seatpost assembly in thetelescopic direction.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the first or second aspectfurther comprises a seal provided at the first end to seal a gap betweenthe first and second cylinders. The upper end of the electrical deviceis disposed above a lower end of the seal in the telescopic direction inthe mounting state.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the third aspect, itis possible to utilize a space disposed around the seal provided at thefirst end, allowing the electrical seatpost assembly to be compact.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the third aspect is configuredso that the first cylinder includes a cover member provided at the firstend. At least one of the guide member and the seal is disposed betweenthe cover member and the second cylinder in the direction perpendicularto the telescopic direction.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the fourth aspect, itis possible to protect at least one of the guide member and the seal bythe cover member.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the first to fourthaspects is configured so that the electrical device is configured toreceive at least one of an electrical input and a mechanical input.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the fifth aspect, itis possible to operate the electrical seatpost assembly using at leastone of the electrical input and the mechanical input.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the fifth aspect is configuredso that the electrical device includes a wireless receiver to wirelesslyreceive a wireless signal.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the sixth aspect, itis possible to operate the electrical seatpost assembly using thewireless signal.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the sixth aspect is configuredso that the electrical device includes a pairing switch to switch a modeof the wireless receiver to a pairing mode.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the seventh aspect,it is possible to easily perform the pairing between the wirelessreceiver and an external operating device.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the sixth or seventh aspect isconfigured so that the first cylinder includes a cover member providedat the first end. The cover member includes a resin material.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the eighth aspect, itis possible to maintain the intensity of the wireless signal even if thecover member is disposed to cover the wireless receiver.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the first to eighthaspects is configured so that the electrical device includes a startswitch to turn the electrical actuator on.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the ninth aspect, itis possible to manually start the electrical actuator via the startswitch.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the first to ninthaspects is configured so that the electrical device includes anoperating switch to operate the electrical actuator to actuate thepositioning structure.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the tenth aspect, itis possible to manually operate the electrical actuator via theoperating switch.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the first to tenthaspects is configured so that the electrical device includes a controlsubstrate.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the eleventh aspect,it is possible to install electrical elements on the control substratein accordance with the desired specification of the electrical seatpostassembly.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the first toeleventh aspects is configured so that the electrical device includes anindicator provided outside the first cylinder and the second cylinder toindicate seatpost information relating to the electrical seatpostassembly.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the twelfth aspect,it is possible to inform the user of the seatpost information relatingto the electrical seatpost assembly.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the twelfth aspect isconfigured so that the seatpost information includes a remaining batterylevel of a battery to supply electrical power to the electricalactuator.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the thirteenthaspect, it is possible to inform the user of the remaining battery levelof the battery.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the first tothirteenth aspects is configured so that the electrical device includesa charging port to receive electrical power to charge a battery.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the fourteenthaspect, it is possible to charge the battery via the charging port.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the first tofourteenth aspects is configured so that the electrical device isprovided on a front side of the guide member in the mounting state.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the fifteenth aspect,it is possible to easily operate or check the electrical device for theuser during cycling.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the first tofifteenth aspects is configured so that the first cylinder includes acover member provided at the first end. The cover member includes anouter peripheral surface. The electrical device is provided not toprotrude radially outwardly from the outer peripheral surface of thecover member.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the sixteenth aspect,it is possible to prevent the interference between the electrical deviceand the bicycle frame when the first cylinder is mounted to the bicycleframe.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the first tosixteenth aspects is configured so that the electrical device includesat least one power receiving port to receive electrical power from anexternal power supply.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the seventeenthaspect, it is possible to utilize the electrical power of the externalpower supply.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the seventeenth aspect isconfigured so that the at least one power receiving port is movablymounted relative to the first cylinder in a circumferential direction ofthe first cylinder.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the eighteenthaspect, it is possible to adjust a position of the at least one powerreceiving port in the circumferential direction. This allows the user toselect a preferable route of an electrical cable.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the seventeenth or eighteenthaspect is configured so that the at least one power receiving portincludes a plurality of power receiving ports. The plurality of powerreceiving ports are spaced apart from each other in a circumferentialdirection of the first cylinder.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the nineteenthaspect, the plurality of power receiving ports allow the user to selecta preferable ports among the plurality of power receiving ports. Thisallows the user to select a preferable route of an electrical cable.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the first tonineteenth aspects is configured so that the electrical device includesa battery.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the twentieth aspect,it is possible to supply electrical power from the battery to theelectrical actuator.

In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the twentieth aspect isconfigured so that the first cylinder includes a cover member providedat the first end. The battery is detachably attached to the covermember.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-firstaspect, it is possible to detach and attach the battery from and to thecover member in the mounting state.

In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the twentieth or twenty-firstaspect is configured so that the first cylinder includes a cover memberprovided at the first end. One of the electrical device and the covermember includes a charging port to receive electrical power to chargethe battery.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-secondaspect, it is possible to charge the battery via the charging port.

In accordance with a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the twentieth totwenty-second aspects is configured so that the battery is provided on arear side of the cover member in the mounting state.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-thirdaspect, it is possible to utilize a space disposed around the rear sideof the cover member for the battery.

In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the first totwenty-third aspects further comprises a connecting part. The electricalactuator includes a motor. The motor is provided at the second end ofthe first cylinder. The connecting part electrically connects theelectrical device to the motor.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-fourthaspect, it is possible to electrically connect the electrical device tothe motor via the connecting part even if the electrical device isarranged apart from the motor.

In accordance with a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-fourth aspect isconfigured so that the connecting part includes an electronic substrateelectrically connecting the electrical device to the motor.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-fifthaspect, it is possible to utilize the electronic substrate as a cableelectrically connecting the electrical device to the motor. This canmake a space for the electronic substrate smaller.

In accordance with a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-fourth ortwenty-fifth aspect is configured so that the first cylinder includes anaccommodation part accommodating the connecting part.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-sixthaspect, it is possible to utilize a part of the first cylinder as aspace for accommodating the connecting part. This can maintain the sizeof the electrical seatpost assembly.

In accordance with a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, anelectrical seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a secondcylinder, a positioning structure, an electrical actuator, and anindicator. The second cylinder is telescopically received in the firstcylinder. The positioning structure is to adjustably position the secondcylinder relative to the first cylinder in the telescopic direction. Theelectrical actuator is to actuate the positioning structure inaccordance with an electrical signal. The indicator is to indicateseatpost information relating to the electrical seatpost assembly. Theindicator is provided on one of the first cylinder and the secondcylinder.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-seventhaspect, it is possible to inform the user of the seatpost informationrelating to the electrical seatpost assembly.

In accordance with a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-seventh aspect isconfigured so that the indicator includes one of a light emittingelement and a display.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-eighthaspect, it is possible to easily check the seatpost information for theuser via the indicator.

In accordance with a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-seventh ortwenty-eighth aspect is configured so that the seatpost informationincludes a remaining battery level of a battery to supply electricalpower to the electrical actuator.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-ninthaspect, it is possible to inform the user of the remaining battery levelof the battery.

In accordance with a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-ninth aspectfurther comprises the battery to supply the electrical power to theelectrical actuator.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the thirtieth aspect,it is possible to omit a power cable.

In accordance with a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the twenty-ninth or thirtiethaspect is configured so that the indicator indicates the remainingbattery level of the battery when the electrical actuator is turned on.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-firstaspect, it is possible to inform the user of the remaining battery levelof when the electrical actuator is turned on.

In accordance with a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the twenty-ninth tothirty-first aspects is configured so that the indicator indicates theremaining battery level of the battery when the indicator receives anindication command signal.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-secondaspect, it is possible to inform the user of the remaining battery levelat a specific timing caused by the indication command signal.

In accordance with a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-second aspectfurther comprises an indication operating device to generate theindication command signal.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-thirdaspect, it is possible to generate the indication command signal basedon a user input via the indication operating device. This allows theuser to check the remaining battery level at a desired timing of theuser's choice.

In accordance with a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-third aspect isconfigured so that the indication operating device is provided on one ofthe first cylinder and the second cylinder.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-fourthaspect, it is possible to easily access the indication operating device.

In accordance with a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the twenty-seventhto thirty-fourth aspects is configured so that the indicator is providedon a front side of one of the first cylinder and the second cylinder ina mounting state where the first cylinder is mounted to a bicycle frame.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-fifthaspect, it is possible to easily check the seatpost informationindicated by the indicator for user.

In accordance with a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, anelectrical seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a secondcylinder, a positioning structure, an actuating device, and a changingdevice. The second cylinder is telescopically received in the firstcylinder. The positioning structure is to adjustably position the secondcylinder relative to the first cylinder in the telescopic direction. Theactuating device is to actuate the positioning structure. The actuatingdevice has an accessible state where the actuating device is controlledin accordance with an electrical signal, and an inaccessible state wherethe actuating device is not controlled in accordance with an electricalsignal. The changing device is to change a state of the actuating devicebetween the accessible state and the inaccessible state.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-sixthaspect, it is possible to manually or automatically switch the state ofthe actuating device between the accessible state and the inaccessiblestate using the changing device. This can reduce power consumption ofthe actuating device.

In accordance with a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-sixth aspect isconfigured so that the changing device includes a manual switch.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-seventhaspect, it is possible to manually switch the state of the actuatingdevice between the accessible state and the inaccessible state using thechanging device. This can reduce power consumption of the actuatingdevice.

In accordance with a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-seventh aspect isconfigured so that the manual switch is provided on an outer peripheralsurface of one of the first cylinder and the second cylinder.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-eighthaspect, it is possible to easily access the manual switch.

In accordance with a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the thirty-sixth tothirty-eighth aspects is configured so that the changing device includesa sensor and automatically changes the state of the actuating devicebetween the accessible state and the inaccessible state based on asensing result of the sensor.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-ninthaspect, it is possible to automatically switch the state of theactuating device between the accessible state and the inaccessible stateusing the changing device. This can reduce power consumption of theactuating device.

In accordance with a fortieth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-ninth aspect isconfigured so that the changing device includes a vibration sensor tosense vibration of a bicycle.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the fortieth aspect,it is possible to automatically switch the state of the actuating devicebetween the accessible state and the inaccessible state based on thevibration of the bicycle.

In accordance with a forty-first aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the thirty-ninth or fortiethaspect is configured so that the changing device includes a seatingsensor to sense that a rider is on a saddle mounted to the electricalseatpost assembly.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the forty-firstaspect, it is possible to automatically switch the state of theactuating device between the accessible state and the inaccessible statebased on the usage state of the electrical seatpost assembly.

In accordance with a forty-second aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the forty-first aspect isconfigured so that the seating sensor includes a strain sensor to sensestrain of the electrical seatpost assembly.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the forty-secondaspect, it is possible to sense that the rider is on the saddle base onthe strain of the electrical seatpost assembly.

In accordance with a forty-third aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to the forty-first orforty-second aspect is configured so that the seating sensor includes anair pressure sensor to sense a pressure in an air chamber of theelectrical seatpost assembly.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the forty-thirdaspect, it is possible to sense that the rider is on the saddle base onthe pressure of the air chamber.

In accordance with a forty-fourth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the forty-first toforty-third aspects is configured so that the seating sensor includes ahydraulic sensor to sense a pressure in a hydraulic chamber of theelectrical seatpost assembly.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the forty-fourthaspect, it is possible to sense that the rider is on the saddle base onthe pressure of the hydraulic chamber.

In accordance with a forty-fifth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the thirty-ninth toforty-fourth aspects is configured so that the seating sensor isprovided in the positioning structure.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the forty-fifthaspect, it is possible to determine that the rider is on the saddlebased on a state of the positioning structure.

In accordance with a forty-sixth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the thirty-sixth toforty-fifth aspects is configured so that the changing device changesthe state of the actuating device from the accessible state to theinaccessible state when the changing device does not receive an inputfor a waiting time in the accessible state.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the forty-sixthaspect, it is possible to automatically switch the state of theactuating device from the accessible state to the inaccessible state.This can reduce power consumption of the actuating device.

In accordance with a forty-seventh aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the thirty-sixth toforty-sixth aspects is configured so that the actuating device includesa wireless receiver and an electrical actuator. The wireless receiver isto wirelessly receive a wireless signal. The electrical actuator is toactuate the positioning structure in accordance with the wirelesssignal. The wireless receiver wirelessly receives the wireless signal inthe accessible state of the actuating device.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the forty-seventhaspect, it is possible to operate the actuating device using thewireless signal.

In accordance with a forty-eighth aspect of the present invention, theelectrical seatpost assembly according to any one of the thirty-sixth toforty-seventh aspects is configured so that the actuating deviceincludes an electrical actuator to actuate the positioning structurebased on a wireless signal. The electrical seatpost assembly furthercomprises an operating switch to operate the electrical actuator toactuate the positioning structure without the wireless signal.

With the electrical seatpost assembly according to the forty-eighthaspect, it is possible to manually operate the electrical actuator viathe operating switch even if the electrical actuator does not receivethe wireless signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle in accordance with afirst embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a rear derailleur of the bicycleillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the bicycle illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical seatpost assembly inaccordance with the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpostassembly illustrated in FIG. 4 (a closed position).

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the electricalseatpost assembly illustrated in FIG. 4 (the closed position).

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the electricalseatpost assembly illustrated in FIG. 4 (a first open position).

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the electricalseatpost assembly illustrated in FIG. 4 (a second open position).

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the electricalseatpost assembly illustrated in FIG. 4 (the second open position).

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the electricalseatpost assembly illustrated in FIG. 4 (the second open position).

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the electricalseatpost assembly illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 13 is a partial rear view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpostassembly taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 16.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpostassembly taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpostassembly taken along line XVII-XVII of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpostassembly taken along line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a partial front view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 20 is a partial rear view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpostassembly taken along line XXI-XXI of FIG. 15.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical seatpost assembly inaccordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a bicycle in accordance with a thirdembodiment.

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electrical seatpostassembly of the bicycle illustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a bicycle in accordance with a fourthembodiment.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of an electrical seatpost assembly of thebicycle illustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a bicycle in accordance with a fifthembodiment.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of an electrical seatpost assembly of thebicycle illustrated in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a bicycle in accordance with a sixthembodiment.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram of an electrical seatpost assembly of thebicycle illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram of a bicycle in accordance with a seventhembodiment.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram of a bicycle in accordance with an eighthembodiment.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram of an electrical seatpost assembly inaccordance with a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of an electrical seatpost assembly inaccordance with a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a block diagram of a bicycle in accordance with an eleventhembodiment.

FIG. 41 is a block diagram of an electrical seatpost assembly of thebicycle illustrated in FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram of an electrical seatpost assembly inaccordance with a twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 43.

FIG. 46 is a block diagram of an electrical seatpost assembly inaccordance with a thirteenth embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is a block diagram of an electrical seatpost assembly inaccordance with a fourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 is a block diagram of an electrical seatpost assembly inaccordance with a fifteenth embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 is a block diagram of an electrical seatpost assembly inaccordance with a sixteenth embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical seatpost assemblyillustrated in FIG. 52.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding oridentical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle 10 in accordance with a firstembodiment comprises a bicycle frame 12, a front fork 14, a handlebar16, an electrical seatpost assembly 18, a saddle 20, a front singlesprocket 22, a rear sprocket assembly 24, and a chain 25. The front fork14 is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame 12. The handlebar 16 isattached to the front fork 14 via a stem 27. The electrical seatpostassembly 18 is mounted to the bicycle frame 12. The saddle 20 isattached to the electrical seatpost assembly 18. The front singlesprocket 22 is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame 12. The rearsprocket assembly 24 is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame 12. Thechain 25 is engaged with the front single sprocket 22 and the rearsprocket assembly 24. The bicycle 10 comprises a rear derailleur 26 tochange a speed stage of the bicycle 10.

As seen in FIG. 2, the rear sprocket assembly 24 includes a plurality ofrear sprockets SP1 to SP7. The rear derailleur 26 shifts the chain 25between the plurality of rear sprockets SP1 to SP7 of the rear sprocketassembly 24. In this embodiment, the rear sprocket assembly 24 includesseven rear sprockets SP1 to SP7. The rear derailleur 26 changes a speedstage of the bicycle 10 among a plurality of speed stages correspondingto the plurality of rear sprockets SP1 to SP7. The bicycle 10 has sevenspeed stages corresponding to the plurality of rear sprockets SP1 toSP7. A total number of the speed stages is not limited to thisembodiment. Furthermore, the bicycle 10 can include a plurality of frontsprockets and a front derailleur to shift the chain 25 between theplurality of front sprockets. The front derailleur can be anelectrically-operated derailleur. In such an embodiment, theelectrically-operated front derailleur can be operated based on awireless signal and can include a battery and/or a wireless receiver.Also, the electrically-operated front derailleur can be operated basedon an electrical signal transmitted via an electrical communicationcable.

In the present application, the following directional terms “forward”,“rearward”, “left”, “right”, “upward” and “downward” as well as anyother similar directional terms refer to those directions which aredetermined on the basis of the rider who sits on the saddle 20 withfacing the handlebar 16. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized todescribe the electrical seatpost assembly 18, should be interpretedrelative to the bicycle 10 equipped with the electrical seatpostassembly 18 as used in an upright riding position on a horizontalsurface.

As seen in FIG. 3, the bicycle 10 comprises an operating device 28 towirelessly transmit a wireless signal based on an input operation. Theuser can operate the electrical seatpost assembly 18 and the rearderailleur 26 via the operating device 28. As seen in FIG. 1, theoperating device 28 is mounted to the handlebar 16. The operating device28 can be mounted to other parts of the bicycle 10.

As seen in FIG. 3, the rear derailleur 26 includes a chain guide 29, anelectrical shifting actuator AC1, a shifting controller CR1, and abattery unit BT1. The electrical shifting actuator AC1 moves the chainguide 29 to shift the chain 25 between the rear sprockets SP1 to SP7 ofthe rear sprocket assembly 24. The shifting controller CR1 controls theelectrical shifting actuator AC1 to move the chain guide 29. Examples ofthe electrical shifting actuator AC1 include a direct current (DC)motor, an alternating current (AC) motor, and a stepper motor. Thebattery unit BT1 is electrically connected to the electrical shiftingactuator AC1 and the shifting controller CR1 to supply electrical powerto the electrical shifting actuator AC1 and the shifting controller CR1.Examples of the battery unit BT1 include a rechargeable battery and adry-cell battery.

The shifting controller CR1 includes a processor PR1 and a memory M1.The processor PR1 is electrically connected to the memory M1. Theprocessor PR1 includes a central processing unit (CPU). The memory M1stores programs and other information. The memory M1 includes a readonly memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a memorycontroller. For example, a program stored in the memory M1 is read intothe processor PR1, and thereby several functions of the shiftingcontroller CR1 are performed.

The shifting controller CR1 includes a motor driver MD1 and a positionsensor PS1. The motor driver MD1 is electrically connected to each ofthe processor PR1 and the electrical shifting actuator AC1. The positionsensor PS1 is electrically connected to the processor PR1. The positionsensor PS1 senses a current position of the chain guide 29 relative tothe rear sprocket assembly 24 via the electrical shifting actuator AC1to determine a current gear position of the rear derailleur 26. Examplesof the position sensor PS1 include a contact rotational position sensorsuch as a potentiometer, and a non-contact rotational position sensorsuch as an optical sensor (e.g., a rotary encoder) and a magnetic sensor(e.g., a hall sensor). The current position of the electrical shiftingactuator AC1 is stored in the memory M1. The processor PR1 generates acontrol signal based on the current position of the electrical shiftingactuator AC1 and the wireless signal transmitted from the operatingdevice 28.

The operating device 28 includes a shift operating unit U1. The shiftoperating unit U1 includes an upshift operating switch SW11, a downshiftoperating switch SW12, and a wireless transmitter WT1. The upshiftoperating switch SW11 receives an upshifting input operation as theinput operation from the user. The downshift operating switch SW12receives a downshifting input operation as the input operation from theuser.

The wireless transmitter WT1 wirelessly transmits an upshifting signalUS and a downshifting signal DS as the wireless signal to the rearderailleur 26 based on the upshifting input operation and thedownshifting input operation, respectively. For example, the wirelesstransmitter WT1 is composed of an ANT module configured to transmitwireless signals to the shifting controller CR1 of the rear derailleur26 using a predetermined ANT protocol. The wireless transmitter WT1 caninclude other type of wireless module.

The operating device 28 includes a seatpost operating unit U2. Theseatpost operating unit U2 includes a first adjustment operating switchSW21, a second adjustment operating switch SW22, and a wirelesstransmitter WT2. The first adjustment operating switch SW21 receives afirst input adjustment operation as the input operation from the user.The second adjustment operating switch SW22 receives a second inputadjustment operation as the input operation from the user.

The wireless transmitter WT2 wirelessly transmits a first adjustmentsignal AS1 and a second adjustment signal AS2 as the wireless signal tothe electrical seatpost assembly 18 based on the first input adjustmentoperation and the second input adjustment operation, respectively. Thefirst adjustment signal AS1 corresponds to a first adjustable state ofthe electrical seatpost assembly 18. The second adjustment signal AS2corresponds to a second adjustable state of the electrical seatpostassembly 18. The first and second adjustable states will be described indetail later. For example, the wireless transmitter WT1 is composed ofan ANT module configured to transmit wireless signals to an actuatingdevice 64 of the electrical seatpost assembly 18 using a predeterminedANT protocol. The wireless transmitter WT2 can include other type ofwireless module.

While the seatpost operating unit U2 includes the first adjustmentoperating switch SW21 and the second adjustment operating switch SW22 inthis embodiment, the seatpost operating unit U2 can include only oneadjustment operating switch. In such an embodiment, the adjustable statecan include one of the first adjustable state, the second adjustablestate, and another adjustable state. Even if the adjustable stateincludes two or more adjustable states, it is possible to change thestate of the electrical seatpost assembly 18 between the two or moreadjustable states using one adjustment operating switch. For example,the two or more adjustable states can be switched by changing how tooperate the one adjustment operating switch (e.g., pressing lightly theone adjustment operating switch halfway down, pressing the oneadjustment operating switch all the way down, long pressing of the oneadjustment operating switch, and short pressing of the one adjustmentoperating switch).

The operating device 28 includes a battery unit BT2 to supply electricalpower to the wireless transmitters WT1 and WT2. The battery unit BT2 iselectrically connected to the wireless transmitter WT1 and WT2. Examplesof the battery unit BT2 include a rechargeable battery, a dry-cellbattery, and a button battery.

While the shift operating unit U1 and the seatpost operating unit U2share the battery unit BT2 in this embodiment, the operating device 28can include respective battery units for the shift operating unit U1 andthe seatpost operating unit U2.

At least one of the rear derailleur 26 and the electrical seatpostassembly 18 includes at least one wireless receiver WR1 and WR2 towirelessly receive a wireless signal. At least one of the electricalshifting actuator AC1 and the electrical actuator AC2 is operated basedon the at least one wireless signal received by the at least onewireless receiver WR1 and/or WR2. In this embodiment, the electricalshifting actuator AC1 and the electrical actuator AC2 are operated basedon the wireless signal received by the at least one wireless receiverWR1 and/or WR2. The at least one wireless receiver WR1 and/or WR2 iselectrically connected to the electrical shifting actuator AC1 and theelectrical actuator AC2.

The at least one wireless receiver WR1 and/or WR2 includes a firstwireless receiver WR1 and a second wireless receiver WR2. The firstwireless receiver WR1 is electrically connected to the electricalshifting actuator AC1. The second wireless receiver WR2 is electricallyconnected to the electrical actuator AC2.

The first wireless receiver WR1 wirelessly receives the wireless signalfrom the wireless transmitter WT1 of the operating device 28. The secondwireless receiver WR2 wirelessly receives the wireless signal from thewireless transmitter WT2 of the operating device 28. The first wirelessreceiver WR1 can also be referred to as the wireless receiver WR1. Thesecond wireless receiver WR2 can also be referred to as the wirelessreceiver WR2. The rear derailleur 26 includes the wireless receiver WR1.The electrical seatpost assembly 18 includes the wireless receiver WR2.However, at least one of the first and second wireless receivers WR1 andWR2 can be omitted from the bicycle 10. While the wireless receiver WR1is provided in the rear derailleur 26 as a part of the rear derailleur26 in this embodiment, the wireless receiver WR1 can be a separate unitfrom the rear derailleur 26. While the wireless receiver WR2 is providedin the electrical seatpost assembly 18 as a part of the electricalseatpost assembly 18 in this embodiment, the wireless receiver WR2 canbe a separate unit from the electrical seatpost assembly 18.

The wireless receiver WR1 wirelessly receives the wireless signal (e.g.,the upshifting signal US and the downshifting signal DS) as the commandsignal from the wireless transmitter WT1 of the operating device 28. Forexample, the wireless receiver WR1 is composed of an ANT moduleconfigured to receive the wireless signals from the wireless transmitterWT1 of the operating device 28 using the predetermined ANT protocol. Thewireless receiver WR1 can include other type of wireless module.

The wireless receiver WR1 is electrically connected to the processor PR1of the shifting controller CR1. The processor PR1 generates the controlsignal based on the wireless signal received by the wireless receiverWR1 and the current position sensed by the position sensor PS1. Theprocessor PR1 generates an upshift control signal based on theupshifting signal US received by the wireless receiver WR1. Theprocessor PR1 generates a downshift control signal based on thedownshifting signal DS received by the wireless receiver WR1. The motordriver MD1 controls the electrical shifting actuator AC1 based on thecontrol signal generated by the processor PR1. The motor driver MD1controls the electrical shifting actuator AC1 for upshifting based onthe upshifting control signal generated by the processor PR1. The motordriver MD1 controls the electrical shifting actuator AC1 fordownshifting based on the downshifting control signal generated by theprocessor PR1. Thus, the user can wirelessly operate the rear derailleur26 using the upshift and downshift operating switches SW11 and SW12 ofthe operating device 28.

The wireless receiver WR2 wirelessly receives the wireless signal (e.g.,a first adjustment signal AS1 and a second adjustment signal AS2) as thecommand signal from the wireless transmitter WT1 of the operating device28. For example, the wireless receiver WR2 is composed of an ANT moduleconfigured to receive the wireless signals from the wireless transmitterWT2 of the actuating device 64 using the predetermined ANT protocol. Thewireless receiver WR2 can include other type of wireless module. Thewireless receiver WR2 will be described in detail later.

As seen in FIG. 4, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 in accordancewith the first embodiment comprises a first cylinder 30 and a secondcylinder 32. The second cylinder 32 is telescopically received in thefirst cylinder 30. The first cylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32 aremovable relative to each other in a telescopic direction D1. The firstcylinder 30 includes a first end 34 and a second end 36 opposite to thefirst end 34 in the telescopic direction D1. The second cylinder 32 istelescopically received in the first cylinder 30 from the first end 34.

The first cylinder 30 is detachably attached to a seat tube 12 a(FIG. 1) of the bicycle frame 12. A mounting portion 37 is secured to anend of the second cylinder 32. The saddle 20 (FIG. 1) is mounted to themounting portion 37.

As seen in FIG. 4, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 has a maximumoverall length L0 and a minimum overall length L1. The overall length ofthe electrical seatpost assembly 18 is adjustable within a firstadjustable range AR1 defined as a difference between the maximum overalllength L0 and the minimum overall length L1. The electrical seatpostassembly 18 has an intermediate overall length L2. The intermediateoverall length L2 is defined between the maximum overall length L0 andthe minimum overall length L1.

In this embodiment, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 has a lockedstate, the first adjustable state, and the second adjustable state. Inthe locked state, the overall length of the electrical seatpost assembly18 is maintained at an adjusted overall length. In the locked state, thefirst cylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32 are fixedly positionedrelative to each other in the telescopic direction D1.

In the first adjustable state, the overall length of the electricalseatpost assembly 18 is continuously adjustable within the firstadjustable range AR1 by operating the first adjustment operating switchSW21. Namely, in the first adjustable state, the positional relationshipbetween the first cylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32 is continuouslyadjustable within the first adjustable range AR1.

In the second adjustable state, the overall length of the electricalseatpost assembly 18 is adjustable to the intermediate overall length L2by operating the second adjustment operating switch SW22. Morespecifically, in the second adjustable state, the second cylinder 32stops relative to the first cylinder 30 at a position corresponding tothe intermediate overall length L2 when the second cylinder 32downwardly moves relative to the first cylinder 30 from a positioncorresponding to the maximum overall length L0.

Furthermore, in the second adjustable state, the overall length of theelectrical seatpost assembly 18 is continuously adjustable within asecond adjustable range AR2 by operating the second adjustment operatingswitch SW22. Namely, in the second adjustable state, the positionalrelationship between the first cylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32 iscontinuously adjustable within the second adjustable range AR2. Thesecond adjustable range AR2 is defined as a difference between themaximum overall length L0 and the intermediate overall length L2.

The first adjustable range AR1 and the second adjustable range AR2 aredifferent from each other. More specifically, the second adjustablerange AR2 at least partly overlaps with the first adjustable range AR1.In this embodiment, the second adjustable range AR2 entirely overlapswith the first adjustable range AR1 and is included in the firstadjustable range AR1.

The second adjustable range AR2 has a total length different from atotal length of the first adjustable range AR1. In this embodiment, thetotal length of the second adjustable range AR2 is shorter than thetotal length of the first adjustable range AR1.

The adjustable state of the electrical seatpost assembly 18 is notlimited to this embodiment. The total length of the electrical seatpostassembly 18 can be stepwise adjusted in the adjustable state. Forexample, the total length of the electrical seatpost assembly 18 can bestepwise adjusted at each of different lengths.

As seen in FIG. 4, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 comprises apositioning structure 38 to adjustably position the second cylinder 32relative to the first cylinder 30 in the telescopic direction D1. Thepositioning structure 38 includes a support member 40, an inner tube 42,and a movable member 44. A lower end of the support member 40 is securedto the first cylinder 30. The support member 40 is movable integrallywith the first cylinder 30 relative to the second cylinder 32 in thetelescopic direction D1. An upper end of the inner tube 42 is secured tothe second cylinder 32. The inner tube 42 is movable integrally with thesecond cylinder 32 relative to the first cylinder 30 in the telescopicdirection D1. The support member 40 is movably provided in the innertube 42. The movable member 44 is movably provided in the support member40.

As seen in FIG. 5, the support member 40 includes a first valve chamberVC1, a second valve chamber VC2, and a third valve chamber VC3. Thesecond valve chamber VC2 is provided between the first valve chamber VC1and the third valve chamber VC3 in the telescopic direction D1. Thevalve member 48 is provided in the first valve chamber VC1. The movablemember 44 is movably provided in the second valve chamber VC2 and thethird valve chamber VC3.

The positioning structure 38 includes a first seal member 46, a valvemember 48, and a second seal member 50. The positioning structure 38 hasa closed state (FIG. 6), a first open state (FIG. 7), and a second openstate (FIG. 8). The closed state corresponds to the locked state of theelectrical seatpost assembly 18. The first open state corresponds to thefirst adjustable state of the electrical seatpost assembly 18. Thesecond open state corresponds to the second adjustable state of theelectrical seatpost assembly 18.

The movable member 44 is movable relative to the support member 40 andthe first cylinder 30 in the telescopic direction D1 between a closedposition P10 and a second open position P12 through a first openposition P11. In the closed state (FIG. 6) of the positioning structure38, the movable member 44 is positioned at the closed position P10. Inthe first open state (FIG. 7) of the positioning structure 38, themovable member 44 is positioned at the first open position P11. In thesecond open state (FIG. 8) of the positioning structure 38, the movablemember 44 is positioned at the second open position P12. The second openposition P12 is provided between the closed position P10 and the firstopen position P11 in the telescopic direction D1.

The positioning structure 38 includes a biasing element 52 to bias themovable member 44 relative to the support member 40 toward the closedposition P10. The movable member 44 is positioned at the closed positionP10 by a biasing force of the biasing element 52. The movable member 44is moved from the closed position P10 toward the first open position P11relative to the support member 40 against a biasing force of the biasingelement 52. The position of the movable member 44 is continuouslyadjustable relative to the support member 40 between the closed positionP10 and the first open position P11 using the operating device 28 (FIG.3).

As seen in FIG. 5, the positioning structure 38 includes a sealingstructure 54 having an annular shape. The sealing structure 54 issecured to a lower end of the second cylinder 32. A lower end of theinner tube 42 is secured to the sealing structure 54. The sealingstructure 54 includes a guide hole 56 extending in the telescopicdirection D1. The support member 40 extends through the guide hole 56 ofthe sealing structure 54 in the telescopic direction D1.

The positioning structure 38 includes a piston 58 having an annularshape. The piston 58 includes a guide hole 60 extending in thetelescopic direction D1. The inner tube 42 extends through the guidehole 60 of the piston 58 in the telescopic direction D1. The piston 58is movable relative to the second cylinder 32 and the inner tube 42 inthe telescopic direction D1.

As seen in FIG. 4, the positioning structure 38 includes a first chamberC1 and a second chamber C2. The first chamber C1 is defined by thesupport member 40, the inner tube 42, and the mounting portion 37. Thesecond chamber C2 is defined by the first cylinder 30, the supportmember 40, and the sealing structure 54. The first chamber C1 is filledwith a substantially incompressible fluid (e.g., oil), for example. Thesecond chamber C2 is in communication with an outside of the electricalseatpost assembly 18, for example.

As seen in FIG. 6, a third chamber C3 is defined by the second cylinder32, the inner tube 42, the sealing structure 54, and the piston 58. Anintermediate chamber C12 is defined by the support member 40 and theinner tube 42. Each of the third chamber C3 and the intermediate chamberC12 is filled with the substantially incompressible fluid (e.g., oil),for example.

A biasing chamber C4 is defined by the second cylinder 32, the innertube 42, the piston 58, and the mounting portion 37 (FIG. 4). Acompressible fluid (e.g., air or gas other than air) is filled in thebiasing chamber C4. The biasing chamber C4 is configured to apply abiasing force to the piston 58 so that the second cylinder 32 upwardlymoves relative to the first cylinder 30 in the telescopic direction D1.The compressible fluid is compressed in the biasing chamber C4 in astate where the overall length of the electrical seatpost assembly 18 isthe maximum overall length L0 (FIG. 4).

As seen in FIG. 6, the positioning structure 38 includes a valve biasingmember 62 to bias the valve member 48 against the first seal member 46.The movable member 44 moves the valve member 48 relative to the firstseal member 46 against a biasing force of the valve biasing member 62 toopen a first gate G1. The valve member 48 is provided between the firstseal member 46 and the valve biasing member 62 in the telescopicdirection D1. The valve member 48 is provided between the movable member44 and the valve biasing member 62 in the telescopic direction D1. Thevalve biasing member 62 is provided in the first valve chamber VC1.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the valve member 48 provides the first gate G1of a first passageway PW1 together with the first seal member 46. Thevalve member 48 is contactable with the first seal member 46 to closethe first gate G1. The movable member 44 moves the valve member 48relative to the first seal member 46 to open the first gate G1. Thefirst valve chamber VC1 is in communication with the second valvechamber VC2 via the first gate G1 in a state where the first gate G1 isopen.

When the movable member 44 is positioned at the closed position P10, thevalve member 48 is in contact with the first seal member 46 to close thefirst gate G1. When the movable member 44 is positioned at the firstopen position P11, the valve member 48 is spaced apart from the firstseal member 46 to open the first gate G1.

As seen in FIG. 6, the second seal member 50 provides a second gate G2of a second passageway PW2 together with the movable member 44. Thesecond valve chamber VC2 is in communication with the third valvechamber VC3 via the second gate G2 in a state where the second gate G2is open.

When the movable member 44 is positioned at the closed position P10, themovable member 44 is in contact with the second seal member 50 to closethe second gate G2. When the movable member 44 is positioned at thesecond open position P12, the movable member 44 is spaced apart from thesecond seal member 50 to open the second gate G2.

As seen in FIG. 7, the first passageway PW1 connects the first chamberC1 to the third chamber C3. More specifically, the support member 40includes a first through-hole H1, second through-holes H2, and thirdthrough-holes H3. The first through-hole H1 connects the first chamberC1 to the first valve chamber VC1. The second through-holes H2 connectsthe third valve chamber VC3 to the third chamber C3. The thirdthrough-holes H3 connects the third valve chamber VC3 to theintermediate chamber C12. The first passageway PW1 includes the firstthrough-hole H1, the first to third valve chambers VC1 to VC3, and thesecond through-holes H2.

As seen in FIG. 9, the inner tube 42 includes an inner peripheralsurface 42 a and recesses 42 b recessed from the inner peripheralsurface 42 a. The positioning structure 38 includes a third seal member63 provided on an outer periphery of the support member 40.

The recesses 42 b extend in the telescopic direction D1 and arecircumferentially spaced apart from each other. The third seal member 63is contactable with the inner peripheral surface 42 a of the inner tube42. The third seal member 63 provides a third gate G3 of the secondpassageway PW2 between the third seal member 63 and the inner tube 42.The third gate G3 is open in a state where the third seal member 63 isdisposed within a range RG1 where the recesses 42 b are provided.

As seen in FIG. 10, the third gate G3 is closed in a state where thethird seal member 63 is disposed outside the range RG1. For example, thethird seal member 63 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 42a of the inner tube 42 along an inner whole periphery of the inner tube42 in a state where the third seal member 63 is disposed on an upperside of the recesses 42 b. In this state, the third gate G3 is closed sothat the first chamber C1 is not in communication with the third chamberC3 via the second passageway PW2. In this state, the total length of theelectrical seatpost assembly 18 is the intermediate overall length L2(FIG. 3).

While the positioning structure 38 has a hydraulic structure in thisembodiment, the positioning structure 38 can have other structures suchas a mechanical structure and an electrical structure.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the electrical seatpost assembly 18comprises the actuating device 64 to actuate the positioning structure38. In this embodiment, the actuating device 64 moves the movable member44 of the positioning structure 38 in the telescopic direction D1. Theactuating device 64 is controlled based on the wireless signaltransmitted from the operating device 28. In this embodiment, theactuating device 64 of the electrical seatpost assembly 18 includes thewireless receiver WR2 to wirelessly receive the wireless signal (e.g.,the first adjustment signal AS1 and the second adjustment signal AS2).

The actuating device 64 has an accessible state where the actuatingdevice 64 is controlled in accordance with an electrical signal, and aninaccessible state where the actuating device 64 is not controlled inaccordance with an electrical signal. In this embodiment, the actuatingdevice 64 is controlled in accordance with the wireless signal in theaccessible state. The actuating device 64 is not controlled inaccordance with the wireless signal in the inaccessible state.

The actuating device 64 includes an electrical actuator AC2 to actuatethe positioning structure 38 (FIG. 5) in accordance with the wirelesssignal. In other words, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 comprisesthe electrical actuator AC2 to actuate the positioning structure 38(FIG. 5) in accordance with the electrical signal. In this embodiment,the electrical actuator AC2 moves the movable member 44 in thetelescopic direction D1 in accordance with the wireless signaltransmitted from the seatpost operating unit U2 of the operating device28 (FIG. 3).

The wireless receiver WR2 wirelessly receives the wireless signal in theaccessible state of the actuating device 64. For example, the wirelessreceiver WR2 periodically or always listens to the wireless signal inthe accessible state. The wireless receiver WR2 is unresponsive to thewireless signal in the inaccessible state of the actuating device 64.The inaccessible state of the actuating device 64 corresponds to a sleepmode of the wireless receiver WR2. A power consumption of the actuatingdevice 64 in the inaccessible state is lower than a power consumption ofthe actuating device 64 in the accessible state.

As seen in FIG. 12, the actuating device 64 includes a seatpostcontroller CR2. The seatpost controller CR2 controls the electricalactuator AC2 to move the movable member 44. Examples of the electricalactuator AC2 include a DC motor, an AC motor, and a stepper motor.

The seatpost controller CR2 includes a processor PR2 and a memory M2.The processor PR2 is electrically connected to the memory M2. Theprocessor PR2 includes a CPU. The memory M2 stores programs and otherinformation. The memory M2 includes a ROM, a RAM, and a memorycontroller. For example, a program stored in the memory M2 is read intothe processor PR2, and thereby several functions of the seatpostcontroller CR2 are performed.

The seatpost controller CR2 includes a motor driver MD2 and a positionsensor PS2. The motor driver MD2 is electrically connected to each ofthe processor PR2 and the electrical actuator AC2. The position sensorPS2 is electrically connected to the processor PR2. The processor PR2generates a control signal based on the wireless signal transmitted fromthe wireless transmitter WT2 of the operating device 28. The motordriver MD2 controls the electrical actuator AC2 based on the controlsignal. Specifically, the motor driver MD2 changes a rotationaldirection of the electrical actuator AC2 and stops rotation of theelectrical actuator AC2.

The position sensor PS2 senses a current position of the movable member44 relative to the first cylinder 30 via the electrical actuator AC2 todetermine a current state of the positioning structure 38. Examples ofthe position sensor PS2 include a contact rotational position sensorsuch as a potentiometer, and a non-contact rotational position sensorsuch as an optical sensor (e.g., a rotary encoder) and a magnetic sensor(e.g., a hall sensor). The current position of the electrical actuatorAC2 is stored in the memory M2. The processor PR2 generates the controlsignal based on the control command and the current position of theelectrical actuator AC2.

The wireless receiver WR2 is electrically connected to the processorPR2. The processor PR2 generates the control signal based on thewireless signal received by the wireless receiver WR2 and the currentposition sensed by the position sensor PS2. The processor PR2 generatesa first adjustment control signal based on the first adjustment signalAS1 (FIG. 3) received by the wireless receiver WR2 and the currentposition sensed by the position sensor PS2. The processor PR2 generatesa second adjustment control signal based on the second adjustment signalAS2 (FIG. 3) received by the wireless receiver WR2 and the currentposition sensed by the position sensor PS2.

The first adjustment control signal and the first adjustment signal AS1correspond to each of the first open state of the positioning structure38 and the first adjustable state of the electrical seatpost assembly18. The second adjustment control signal and the second adjustmentsignal AS2 correspond to each of the second open state of thepositioning structure 38 and the second adjustable state of theelectrical seatpost assembly 18.

The motor driver MD2 controls the electrical actuator AC2 based on thecontrol signal generated by the processor PR2. The motor driver MD2controls the electrical actuator AC2 to move the movable member 44 fromthe closed position P10 to the first open position P11 based on thefirst adjustment control signal generated by the processor PR2. Themotor driver MD2 controls the electrical actuator AC2 to move themovable member 44 from the closed position P10 to the second openposition P12 based on the second adjustment control signal generated bythe processor PR2. Thus, the user can wirelessly operate the electricalseatpost assembly 18 using the first and second adjustment operatingswitches SW21 and SW22 of the operating device 28.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 3, the wireless transmitter WT2keeps transmitting the first adjustment signal AS1 while the firstadjustment operating switch SW21 is operated by the user. The wirelesstransmitter WT2 keeps transmitting the second adjustment signal AS2while the second adjustment operating switch SW22 is operated by theuser. However, the wireless transmitter WT2 can transmit the firstadjustment signal AS1 every time the first adjustment operating switchSW21 is operated by the user. The wireless transmitter WT2 can transmitthe second adjustment signal AS2 every time the second adjustmentoperating switch SW22 is operated by the user.

The processor PR2 generates the first adjustment control signal based onthe first adjustment signal AS1 received by the wireless receiver WR2.The processor PR2 generates the second adjustment control signal basedon the second adjustment signal AS2 received by the wireless receiverWR2. Specifically, the processor PR2 keeps generating the firstadjustment control signal while the wireless receiver WR2 receives thefirst adjustment signal AS1 (e.g., based on a time period during whichthe wireless receiver WR2 receives the first adjustment signal AS1). Theprocessor PR2 keeps generating the second adjustment control signalwhile the wireless receiver WR2 receives the second adjustment signalAS2 (e.g., based on a time period during which the wireless receiver WR2receives the second adjustment signal AS2). However, the processor PR2can generate the first adjustment control signal every time the wirelessreceiver WR2 receives the first adjustment signal AS1. The processor PR2can generate the second adjustment control signal every time thewireless receiver WR2 receives the second adjustment signal AS2.Furthermore, the processor PR2 can keep generating the first adjustmentcontrol signal for a predetermined time period every time the wirelessreceiver WR2 receives the first adjustment signal AS1. The processor PR2can keep generating the second adjustment control signal for apredetermined time period every time the wireless receiver WR2 receivesthe second adjustment signal AS2.

As seen in FIG. 12, the motor driver MD2 controls the electricalactuator AC2 to position the movable member 44 at the closed positionP10 (FIG. 5) while the motor driver MD2 receives neither the firstadjustment control signal nor the second adjustment signal. The motordriver MD2 controls the electrical actuator AC2 to position the movablemember 44 at the first open position P11 (FIG. 5) while the motor driverMD2 receives the first adjustment control signals periodically generatedby the processor PR2. The motor driver MD2 controls the electricalactuator AC2 to position the movable member 44 at the second openposition P12 (FIG. 5) while the motor driver MD2 receives the secondadjustment control signals periodically generated by the processor PR2.

Namely, the movable member 44 is positioned at the closed position P10(FIG. 5) while neither the first adjustment operating switch SW21 northe second adjustment operating switch SW22 is operated by the user. Themovable member 44 is positioned at the first open position P11 (FIG. 5)while the first adjustment operating switch SW21 is operated by theuser. The movable member 44 is positioned at the second open positionP12 (FIG. 5) while the second adjustment operating switch SW22 isoperated by the user. However, the movable member 44 can be positionedat the first open position P11 for a predetermined time period everytime the first adjustment operating switch SW21 is operated by the user.The movable member 44 can be positioned at the second open position P12for a predetermined time period every time the second adjustmentoperating switch SW22 is operated by the user.

As seen in FIG. 12, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 comprises achanging device 65 to change a state of the actuating device 64 betweenthe accessible state and the inaccessible state. In this embodiment, thechanging device 65 includes a manual switch 66. The manual switch 66 isprovided on the outer peripheral surface of one of the first cylinder 30and the second cylinder 32. In this embodiment, the changing device 65changes a state of the wireless receiver WR2 between the accessiblestate and the inaccessible state.

The changing device 65 changes the state of the actuating device 64 fromthe accessible state to the inaccessible state when the wirelessreceiver WR2 does not receive a wireless signal for a waiting time inthe accessible state. In this embodiment, the changing device 65 iselectrically connected to the wireless receiver WR2 to receive thewireless signal from the wireless receiver WR2. The changing device 65changes the state of the actuating device 64 (the state of the wirelessreceiver WR2) from the accessible state to the inaccessible state whenthe changing device 65 does not receive the wireless signal for thewaiting time in the accessible state. The changing device 65 changes thestate of the actuating device 64 (the state of the wireless receiverWR2) from the inaccessible state to the accessible state when the manualswitch 66 is operated by the user.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the electrical seatpost assembly 18comprises a power supply 67 to supply electrical power to the electricalactuator AC2. As seen in FIG. 13, the power supply 67 and the electricalactuator AC2 are disposed in one of the first cylinder 30 and the secondcylinder 32 to at least partly overlap with each other when viewed froma direction perpendicular to the telescopic direction D1. In thisembodiment, the power supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2 aredisposed in the first cylinder 30 to partly overlap with each other whenviewed from the direction perpendicular to the telescopic direction D1.However, the power supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2 can bedisposed in the second cylinder 32 to at least partly overlap with eachother when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the telescopicdirection D1.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the electrical actuator AC2 includes a motor68. The power supply 67 includes a battery 70. In other words, theelectrical seatpost assembly 18 further comprises the battery 70 tosupply the electrical power to the electrical actuator AC2. The battery70 includes a rechargeable battery. However, the battery 70 can includeother batteries such as a dry-cell battery. The motor 68 is provided atthe second end 36 of the first cylinder 30. The power supply 67 isprovided at the second end 36 of the first cylinder 30. The motor 68 iselectrically connected to the battery 70.

While the electrical actuator AC2 includes the motor 68 in thisembodiment, the electrical actuator AC2 can include other actuators suchas a solenoid. While the power supply 67 includes the battery 70 in thisembodiment, the power supply 67 can include other power supplies such asa power generating unit. The battery 70 can be a separate unit from theelectrical seatpost assembly 18.

The electrical actuator AC2 includes an output member 72. The outputmember 72 is movable relative to the motor 68. The output member 72 isin contact with the movable member 44. The motor 68 moves the movablemember 44 relative to the first cylinder 30 in the telescopic directionD1 via the output member 72. The motor 68 includes a speed reducer (notshown) therein.

As seen in FIGS. 12 and 14, the power supply 67 includes a charging port74 to receive electrical power to charge the battery 70. The chargingport 74 is electrically connected to the battery 70. As seen in FIG. 15,the charging port 74 is provided on an outer peripheral surface of theone of the first cylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32. In thisembodiment, the charging port 74 is provided on an outer peripheralsurface 32 a of the second cylinder 32. The charging port 74 is providedat the first end 34 of the first cylinder 30. However, the charging port74 can be provided on an outer peripheral surface 30 a (FIG. 14) of thefirst cylinder 30. The charging port 74 can be provided at the secondend 36 of the first cylinder 30.

As seen in FIG. 11, the first cylinder 30 includes an internal space 76.The power supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2 are provided in theinternal space 76 of the first cylinder 30. The internal space 76includes the second chamber C2. The power supply 67 and the electricalactuator AC2 are provided at the second end 36 of the first cylinder 30.As seen in FIG. 4, the power supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2are provided below the positioning structure 38 in a mounting statewhere the first cylinder 30 is mounted to the bicycle frame 12 (FIG. 1).

As seen in FIG. 11, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 furthercomprises a housing 78 provided in the one of the first cylinder 30 andthe second cylinder 32. The power supply 67 and the electrical actuatorAC2 are provided in the housing 78. In this embodiment, the housing 78is provided in the first cylinder 30. However, the housing 78 can beprovided in the second cylinder 32. Specifically, the housing 78 issecured to the second end 36 of the first cylinder 30. A lower end ofthe support member 40 is secured to the housing 78.

The motor 68 includes an output shaft 80 having external threads 80 a.The output member 72 includes a main body 72 a and protruding parts 72b. The main body 72 a includes a threaded hole 72 c. The externalthreads 80 a of the output shaft 80 are threadedly engaged with thethreaded hole 72 c. The protruding parts 72 b protrude from the mainbody 72 a. The housing 78 includes guide grooves 78 a extending in thetelescopic direction D1. The protruding parts 72 b are respectivelyprovided in the guide grooves 78 a to prevent the output member 72 fromrotating relative to the housing 78. The output member 72 is in contactwith the movable member 44. Rotation of the output shaft 80 of the motor68 moves the output member 72 relative to the housing 78 in thetelescopic direction D1. This moves the movable member 44 relative tothe support member 40 between the closed position P10 (FIG. 6) and thefirst open position P11 (FIG. 7) through the second open position P12(FIG. 8). While the electrical actuator AC2 includes the output member72 in this embodiment, the electrical actuator AC2 can include otherstructures such as a cam structure.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 furthercomprises a control substrate 82. As seen in FIG. 13, the controlsubstrate 82 at least partly overlaps with at least one of the powersupply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2 when viewed from the directionperpendicular to the telescopic direction D1. In this embodiment, thecontrol substrate 82 partly overlaps with the power supply 67 and theelectrical actuator AC2 when viewed from the direction perpendicular tothe telescopic direction D1. However, the control substrate 82 can bedisposed to entirely overlap with at least one of the power supply 67and the electrical actuator AC2 when viewed from the directionperpendicular to the telescopic direction D1. As seen in FIGS. 11 and12, the seatpost controller CR2 is mounted on the control substrate 82.

As seen in FIG. 11, the power supply 67 is detachably attached to theone of the first cylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32. In thisembodiment, the power supply 67 is detachably attached to the firstcylinder 30. However, the power supply 67 can be detachably attached tothe second cylinder 32. The housing 78 includes a housing body 84 and alid 86. The housing body 84 is provided in the first cylinder 30. Thepower supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2 are provided in thehousing body 84 of the housing 78. The lid 86 is pivotally coupled tothe housing body 84 between a closed position P21 and an open positionP22. The housing body 84 includes an opening 84 a. The lid 86 covers theopening 84 a in a state where the lid 86 is disposed at the closedposition P21. The power supply 67 is detachable from the housing body 84via the opening 84 a in a state where the lid 86 is disposed at the openposition P22.

The electrical seatpost assembly 18 further comprises an electricalterminal 88. The power supply 67 is detachably connected to theelectrical terminal 88. In this embodiment, the electrical terminal 88includes a first terminal 90 and a second terminal 92. The firstterminal 90 and the second terminal 92 are provided in the housing 78.The first terminal 90 is secured to the housing body 84. The secondterminal 92 is secured to the lid 86. The battery 70 is provided betweenthe first terminal 90 and the second terminal 92. The first terminal 90and the second terminal 92 are electrically connected to the controlsubstrate 82.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the power supply 67 includes a chargingcontroller CC1 to control electrical power inputted via the chargingport 74 to the battery 70. The charging controller CC1 is mounted on thecontrol substrate 82 and is electrically connected to the charging port74 and the electrical terminal 88. The charging controller CC1respectively controls electrical power (e.g., voltages) supplied fromthe battery 70 to the electrical actuator AC2 and the seatpostcontroller CR2.

As seen in FIG. 14, the battery 70 has an arc shape when viewed from thetelescopic direction D1. The battery 70 is provided along an outerperiphery of the motor 68. The control substrate 82 is provided on anopposite side of the battery 70 with respect to the motor 68. The shapeand/or arrangement of the battery 70 and the control substrate 82 arenot limited to this embodiment.

As seen in FIG. 15, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 comprises aguide member 94 disposed between the first cylinder 30 and the secondcylinder 32 to slidably guide the second cylinder 32 with respect to thefirst cylinder 30. The guide member 94 is provided at the first end 34.The guide member 94 is provided between the first end 34 and the secondcylinder 32. The guide member 94 is in slidable contact with the outerperipheral surface 32 a of the second cylinder 32. Examples of the guidemember 94 include a bushing and a bearing. In this embodiment, the guidemember 94 is the bushing.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 16, the guide member 94 has anannular shape and is integrally provided as a one-piece unitary memberand has an annular shape. However, the guide member 94 can have othershapes such as an arch shape and can include separate parts.

As seen in FIGS. 12, 15, 17, and 18, the electrical seatpost assembly 18comprises an electrical device 96 mounted to the first cylinder 30. Inthis embodiment, several electrical components may be installed in theelectrical seatpost assembly 18 as the electrical device 96. An upperend of the electrical device 96 is disposed above a lower end of theguide member 94 in the telescopic direction D1 in a mounting state wherethe first cylinder 30 is mounted to the bicycle frame 12.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 19 and 20, the electrical device 96at least partly overlaps with the guide member 94 when viewed from thedirection perpendicular to the telescopic direction D1. Specifically,the electrical device 96 partly overlaps with the guide member 94 whenviewed from the direction perpendicular to the telescopic direction D1.However, the electrical device 96 entirely overlaps with the guidemember 94 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the telescopicdirection D1. Furthermore, a lower end of the electrical device 96 canbe provided above an upper end of the guide member 94. Namely, theelectrical device 96 can be provided not to overlap with the guidemember 94 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the telescopicdirection D1.

As seen in FIG. 15, the electrical device 96 includes at least one powerreceiving port 98 to receive electrical power from an external powersupply 4. In this embodiment, the electrical device 96 includes a powerreceiving port 98. Namely, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 furthercomprises the power receiving port 98 to receive electrical power fromthe external power supply 4. The power receiving port 98 is provided atthe first end 34 of the first cylinder 30. Examples of the externalpower supply 4 includes the battery unit BT1 of the rear derailleur 26or other bicycle battery. In this embodiment, the power receiving port98 receives electrical power from the battery unit BT1.

As seen in FIG. 12, the power receiving port 98 is electricallyconnected to the charging controller CC1. The charging controller CC1controls electrical power supplied from the external power supply 4 tothe electrical actuator AC2 and the seatpost controller CR2. Thecharging controller CC1 preferentially selects the battery 70 as powersupply when the remaining battery level is not zero and when theexternal power supply 4 is connected to the power receiving port 98. Thecharging controller CC1 transmits electrical power from the battery 70to the electrical actuator AC2 and the seatpost controller CR2 andinterrupts electrical power from the power receiving port 98. The powerreceiving port 98 can be omitted from the electrical seatpost assembly18.

As seen in FIGS. 15, 17, and 18, the electrical seatpost assembly 18further comprises a seal 100 provided at the first end 34 to seal a gapbetween the first and second cylinders 30 and 32. The upper end of theelectrical device 96 is disposed above a lower end of the seal 100 inthe telescopic direction D1 in the mounting state.

The first cylinder 30 includes a cover member 102 provided at the firstend 34. At least one of the guide member 94 and the seal 100 is disposedbetween the cover member 102 and the second cylinder 32 in the directionperpendicular to the telescopic direction D1. In this embodiment, theguide member 94 and the seal 100 are disposed between the cover member102 and the second cylinder 32 in the direction perpendicular to thetelescopic direction D1. The cover member 102 includes a resin material.Specifically, the cover member 102 is made of synthetic resin. However,the cover member 102 can include other materials. While the cover member102 is a separate member from the first cylinder 30 in this embodiment,the cover member 102 can be integrally provided with the first cylinder30 as a one-piece unitary member.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 12 and 15, one of the electricaldevice 96 and the cover member 102 includes the charging port 74 toreceive electrical power to charge the battery 70. In this embodiment,the electrical device 96 includes the charging port 74 to receiveelectrical power to charge the battery 70. However, the cover member 102can include the charging port 74 to receive electrical power to chargethe battery 70. The charging port 74 can be mounted to the cover member102.

The charging port 74 receives electrical power from an external powersource 2 to charge the battery 70. Examples of the external power source2 include a domestic power source. The charging port 74 is electricallyconnected to the battery 70 via the electrical terminal 88 in a statewhere the battery 70 is mounted to the housing 78. An upper end of thecharging port 74 is disposed above the lower end of the guide member 94in the telescopic direction D1 in the mounting state.

The electrical device 96 is configured to receive at least one of anelectrical input and a mechanical input. In this embodiment, theelectrical device 96 is configured to receive the electrical input.Specifically, as seen in FIG. 15, the electrical device 96 includes thewireless receiver WR1 to wirelessly receive the wireless signal. Thewireless receiver WR1 receives the wireless signal as the electricalinput. An upper end of the wireless receiver WR1 is disposed above thelower end of the guide member 94 in the telescopic direction D1 in themounting state. The electrical device 96 can include electricalcomponents configured to receive the mechanical input by the user, i.e.a manual switch.

As seen in FIGS. 12 and 17, the electrical device 96 includes a pairingswitch 104 to switch a mode of the wireless receiver WR2 to a pairingmode. The pairing switch 104 is electrically connected to the wirelessreceiver WR1. An upper end of the pairing switch 104 is disposed abovethe lower end of the guide member 94 in the telescopic direction D1 inthe mounting state. The pairing switch 104 receives the mechanical inputfrom the user.

The wireless receiver WR2 has the pairing mode in which the wirelessreceiver WR2 establishes a wireless communication between the wirelesstransmitter WT2 and the wireless receiver WR2. The wireless receiver WR2enters the pairing mode when the pairing switch 104 is operated by theuser. When the first adjustment operating switch SW21 is held down bythe user, the wireless transmitter WT2 enters the pairing mode in whichthe wireless communication between the wireless transmitter WT2 and thewireless receiver WR2. The wireless transmitter WT2 repeatedly transmitsa pairing demand signal indicating identifying information of theseatpost operating unit U2 during the pairing mode. The wirelessreceiver WR2 scans wireless signals on specific channels during thepairing mode. The wireless receiver WR2 receives the pairing demandsignal. The memory M2 stores reference ID data and reference signalpatterns corresponding to the reference ID data in the memory M2. Thereference ID data indicate device IDs of operating units which areconfigured to establish a wireless communication with the electricalseatpost assembly 18.

The wireless receiver WR2 compares the identifying information of theseatpost operating unit U2 with the reference ID data. The wirelessreceiver WR2 selects, among the reference signal patterns, a targetsignal pattern corresponding to the identifying information received bythe wireless receiver WR2. The memory M2 temporarily stores theidentifying information of the seatpost operating unit U2 and the targetsignal pattern in the memory M2. The wireless receiver WR2 interprets,using the target signal pattern, the wireless signals transmitted fromthe wireless transmitter WT2 as separate signals from wireless signalstransmitted from other devices (e.g., the wireless transmitter WT1 ofthe shift operating unit U1). Thus, the wireless receiver WR2establishes the wireless communication with the seatpost operating unitU2.

In this embodiment, the wireless receiver WR2 wirelessly transmits apairing completion signal to the wireless transmitter WT2. The wirelesstransmitter WT2 finishes the pairing mode when receiving the pairingcompletion signal from the wireless receiver WR2. The wireless receiverWR2 finishes the pairing mode after transmitting the pairing completionsignal to the wireless transmitter WT2.

The electrical device 96 includes a start switch 106 to turn theelectrical actuator AC2 on. An upper end of the start switch 106 isdisposed above the lower end of the guide member 94 in the telescopicdirection D1 in the mounting state. The start switch 106 receives themechanical input from the user. The start switch 106 generates a startsignal when the start switch 106 is operated by the user. The startswitch 106 is electrically connected to the charging controller CC1 toreceive the start signal from the start switch 106. Examples of thestart switch 106 include a mechanical switch such as a contact switchand a non-contact switch. Examples of the contact switch includes a tactswitch. Examples of the non-contact switch includes a magnetic switch.

The charging controller CC1 starts to supply electrical power from thebattery 70 to the electrical actuator AC2, the seatpost controller CR2,and the wireless receiver WR2 when the charging controller CC1 receivesthe start signal in an ON-state where the electrical seatpost assembly18 is turned on. The charging controller CC1 stops to supply electricalpower from the battery 70 to the electrical actuator AC2, the seatpostcontroller CR2, and the wireless receiver WR2 when the chargingcontroller CC1 receives the start signal in an OFF-state where theelectrical seatpost assembly 18 is turned off. Thus, the electricalactuator AC2 is turned on and off via the start switch 106. In theOFF-state, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 is completely turned offto reduce the power consumption of the electrical seatpost assembly 18to zero. The OFF-state is substantially equal to a state where thebattery 70 is detached from the electrical terminal 88.

As seen in FIG. 17, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 includesstoppers 107 a, first ring 107 b, and a second ring 107 c. FIG. 7depicts one of the stoppers 107 a. The stoppers 107 a are fastened tothe second cylinder 32 and are circumferentially spaced apart from eachother. The first ring 107 b is provided between the guide member 94 andthe cover member 102. The second ring 107 c is provided below the guidemember 94 and is contactable with the stoppers 107 a. The stoppers 107 aand the second ring 107 c define the maximum overall length L0 (FIG. 4).The first cylinder 30 includes grooves 30 c extending in the telescopicdirection D1. The stoppers 107 a are provided in the grooves 30 c toprevent the second cylinder 32 from rotating relative to the firstcylinder 30.

As seen in FIGS. 12, 16, and 18, the electrical device 96 includes anoperating switch 108 to operate the electrical actuator AC2 to actuatethe positioning structure 38. Namely, the electrical seatpost assembly18 further comprises the operating switch 108 to operate the electricalactuator AC2 to actuate the positioning structure 38 without thewireless signal. The operating switch 108 is electrically connected tothe seatpost controller CR2. An upper end of the operating switch 108 isdisposed above the lower end of the guide member 94 in the telescopicdirection D1 in the mounting state. The operating switch 108 receivesthe mechanical input from the user.

The operating switch 108 is used to operate the electrical actuator AC2without the operating device 28. For example, the operating switch 108is used when a remaining battery capacity of the battery unit BT2 of theoperating device 28 is zero. As seen in FIG. 16, the operating switch108 includes a first button 108 a and a second button 108 b. The firstbutton 108 a corresponds to the first adjustment operating switch SW21(FIG. 3). The second button 108 b corresponds to the second adjustmentoperating switch SW22 (FIG. 3). The seatpost controller CR2 controls theelectrical actuator AC2 to position the movable member 44 at the firstopen position P11 while the first button 108 a is operated by the user.The seatpost controller CR2 controls the electrical actuator AC2 toposition the movable member 44 at the second open position P12 while thesecond button 108 b is operated by the user. Thus, the electricalseatpost assembly 18 is operated by the user via the operating switch108 without the operating device 28.

As seen in FIGS. 12 and 15, the electrical device 96 includes anindicator 110 provided outside the first cylinder 30 and the secondcylinder 32 to indicate seatpost information relating to the electricalseatpost assembly 18. The indicator 110 is provided on one of the firstcylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32. In this embodiment, theindicator 110 is provided on the first cylinder 30. An upper end of theindicator 110 is disposed above the lower end of the guide member 94 inthe telescopic direction D1 in the mounting state. The seatpostinformation includes a remaining battery level of the battery 70 tosupply electrical power to the electrical actuator AC2. The indicator110 indicates the remaining battery level of the battery 70.

While the seatpost information includes the remaining battery level ofthe battery 70 in this embodiment, the seatpost information can includeother information such as a mode of the electrical seatpost assembly 18,a state of signals of the electrical seatpost assembly 18, and an erroror trouble of the electrical seatpost assembly 18.

The indicator 110 includes one of a light emitting element and adisplay. In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 19, the indicator 110includes a plurality of light emitting elements 110 a. Examples of thelight emitting element 110 a include light emitting diode (LED).However, the indicator 110 can include the display such as a liquidcrystal display (LCD). A total number of the light emitting elements 110a that emit light indicate the remaining battery level of the battery70. For example, all of the light emitting elements 110 a emit lightwhen the remaining battery level of the battery 70 is full. None of thelight emitting elements 110 a emit light when the remaining batterylevel is zero.

While the indicator 110 indicates the remaining battery level using thetotal number of the light emitting elements 110 a in this embodiment,the indicator 110 can indicate the remaining battery level using a colorand/or a change in a state of lights instead of or in addition to thetotal number of the light emitting elements 110 a.

The indicator 110 indicates the remaining battery level of the battery70 when the electrical actuator AC2 is turned on. Specifically, as seenin FIG. 12, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 includes a batterysensor 112. The battery sensor 112 senses the remaining battery level ofthe battery 70. Examples of a sensing system of the battery sensor 112include voltage measuring, coulomb counter, fuel-cell modeling, andimpedance track. The battery sensor 112 includes circuits to sense theremaining battery level of the battery 70. The battery sensor 112 iselectrically connected to the battery 70 via the electrical terminal 88.The indicator 110 is electrically connected to the battery sensor 112.The battery sensor 112 is at least partly mounted on the controlsubstrate 82.

As seen in FIG. 12, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 includes anindication controller 114. The indication controller 114 controls theindicator 110 to indicate the remaining battery level of the battery 70when the electrical actuator AC2 is turned on. The indication controller114 is electrically connected to the indicator 110 and the electricalactuator AC2. The indication controller 114 senses turning on and off ofthe electrical actuator AC2. The indication controller 114 controls theindicator 110 not to indicate the remaining battery level of the battery70 when the electrical actuator AC2 is turned off. The indicationcontroller 114 controls the indicator 110 to keep indicating theremaining battery level of the battery 70 while the electrical actuatorAC2 is ON. The indication controller 114 is mounted on the controlsubstrate 82. The indicator 110 receives an indication control signal asthe mechanical input from the indication controller 114.

As seen in FIGS. 12, 15, 17, and 18, the electrical device 96 includes acontrol substrate 116. In this embodiment, the control substrate 116 isa separate member from the control substrate 82. However, the controlsubstrate 116 can be integrally provided with the control substrate 82as a one-piece unitary member. As seen in FIG. 16, the control substrate116 has an annular shape and is radially outwardly of the guide member94.

The wireless receiver WR1, the changing device 65, the pairing switch104, the start switch 106, the operating switch 108, and the indicator110 are mounted on the control substrate 116 and are electricallyconnected to the control substrate 116. An upper end of the controlsubstrate 116 is disposed above the lower end of the guide member 94 inthe telescopic direction D1 in the mounting state.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 15, a connector 110 b is mounted onthe control substrate 116. The indicator 110 is detachably connected tothe connector 110 b. The indicator 110 is electrically connected to thecontrol substrate 116 via the connector 110. For example, the indicator110 is connected to the connector 110 b after the cover member 102 isattached to the first cylinder 30.

As seen in FIG. 12, the electrical device 96 includes the changingdevice 65 to change the state of the actuating device 64 between theaccessible state and the inaccessible state. The changing device 65 iselectrically connected to the seatpost controller CR2. As seen in FIG.18, an upper end of the changing device 65 is disposed above the lowerend of the guide member 94 in the telescopic direction D1 in themounting state.

As seen in FIGS. 12, 16, and 18, the changing device 65 is mounted onthe control substrate 116 and is electrically connected to the controlsubstrate 116. The manual switch 66 is mounted on the control substrate116. The changing device 65 receives the mechanical input from the user.

As seen in FIG. 21, the at least one power receiving port 98 is movablymounted relative to the first cylinder 30 in a circumferential directionD2 of the first cylinder 30. The power receiving port 98 is mounted onthe control substrate 116. The power receiving port 98 is movablymounted relative to the first end 34 of the first cylinder 30 in thecircumferential direction D2 of the first cylinder 30. Specifically, theelectrical device 96 includes a slider 99 movably coupling the powerreceiving port 98 to the control substrate 116. The slider 99 is mountedon the control substrate 116. The slider 99 electrically connects thepower receiving port 98 to the control substrate 116 regardless of aposition of the power receiving port 98 relative to the controlsubstrate 116.

As seen in FIGS. 12, 17, and 18, the electrical device 96 is provided ona front side of the guide member 94 in the mounting state. Theelectrical device 96 is at least partly provided on the front side ofthe guide member 94 in the mounting state. In this embodiment, thewireless receiver WR2, the changing device 65, the pairing switch 104,the start switch 106, the operating switch 108, and the indicator 110are provided on the front side of the guide member 94 in the mountingstate.

The indicator 110 is provided on a front side of one of the firstcylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32 in the mounting state where thefirst cylinder 30 is mounted to the bicycle frame 12 (FIG. 1). In thisembodiment, the indicator 110 is provided on the front side of the firstcylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32 in the mounting state.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 12, the electrical device 96includes the wireless receiver WR2, the changing device 65, the chargingport 74, the power receiving port 98, the pairing switch 104, the startswitch 106, the operating switch 108, the indicator 110, and the controlsubstrate 116. However, the electrical device 96 is not limited to theseelectrical components. The electrical device 96 can include other typeof electrical components.

As seen in FIGS. 16 and 21, the cover member 102 includes an outerperipheral surface 102 a. The electrical device 96 is provided not toprotrude radially outwardly from the outer peripheral surface 102 a ofthe cover member 102. The electrical device 96 is provided inside theouter peripheral surface 102 a of the cover member 102 when viewed fromthe telescopic direction D1. In this embodiment, the wireless receiverWR2, the changing device 65, the charging port 74, the pairing switch104, the start switch 106, the operating switch 108, the indicator 110,and the control substrate 116 are provided not to protrude radiallyoutwardly from the outer peripheral surface 102 a of the cover member102. The wireless receiver WR2, the changing device 65, the chargingport 74, the pairing switch 104, the start switch 106, the operatingswitch 108, the indicator 110, and the control substrate 116 areprovided inside the outer peripheral surface 102 a of the cover member102. However, at least one of these components can be provide toprotrude radially outwardly from the outer peripheral surface 102 a ofthe cover member 102.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 15, the electrical seatpost assembly 18 furthercomprises a connecting part 118. The connecting part 118 electricallyconnects the electrical device 96 to the motor 68. In this embodiment,the connecting part 118 electrically connects the start switch 106 andthe operating switch 108 to the motor 68. The connecting part 118includes an electronic substrate 120 electrically connecting theelectrical device 96 to the motor 68. In this embodiment, the electronicsubstrate 120 electrically connects the start switch 106 and theoperating switch 108 to the motor 68. The electronic substrate 120extends in the telescopic direction D1. While the connecting part 118includes the electronic substrate 120 in this embodiment, the connectingpart 118 can include an electrical cable or other electrical elementsinstead of or in addition to the electronic substrate 120.

As seen in FIG. 11, the connecting part 118 includes a first connector121 a and a second connector 121 b. The first connector 121 a iselectrically connected to an end of the electronic substrate 120. Thesecond connector 121 b is mounted on the control substrate 82. Thesecond connector 121 b is electrically connected to the electricalactuator AC2, the seatpost controller CR2, and other electricalcomponents via the control substrate 82. The first connector 121 a iselectrically and mechanically connected to the second connector 121 b.The first connector 121 a is detachably connected to the secondconnector 121 b. For example, the first connector 121 a is connected tothe second connecter 121 b after the housing 78 is secured to the firstcylinder 30.

The first cylinder 30 includes an accommodation part 122 accommodatingthe connecting part 118. In this embodiment, the accommodation part 122includes an accommodation groove 124 extending in the telescopicdirection D1. The connecting part 118 is provided in the accommodationgroove 124. The electronic substrate 120 is provided in theaccommodation groove 124. The first cylinder 30 includes an innerperipheral surface 30 b. The accommodation groove 124 is provided on theinner peripheral surface 30 b of the first cylinder 30.

As seen in FIGS. 16 and 21, the first cylinder 30 includes a firstopening 126 and a second opening 128. The first opening 126 is providedon the front side of the guide member 94 in the mounting state. Thesecond opening 128 is provided on the rear side of the guide member 94in the mounting state. The cover member 102 includes a third opening 130and a fourth opening 132. The third opening 130 is provided on the frontside of the guide member 94 in the mounting state. The fourth opening132 is provided on the rear side of the guide member 94 in the mountingstate. The charging port 74 is provided at a position corresponding tothe second opening 128 and the fourth opening 132. It is possible toaccess the charging port 74 via the second opening 128 and the fourthopening 132.

The electrical seatpost assembly 18 includes a first cover 134 and asecond cover 136. The first cover 134 is detachably attached to thecover member 102 to cover the first opening 126 and the third opening130. The second cover 136 is detachably attached to the cover member 102to cover the second opening 128 and the fourth opening 132. The firstcover 134 is made of a flexible material such as rubber. The user canoperate each of the charging port 74, the pairing switch 104, the startswitch 106, and the operating switch 108 from outside of the electricalseatpost assembly 18 via the first cover 134. When the charging port 74is used, the second cover 136 is detached from the cover member 102.

As seen in FIG. 21, the indicator 110 is partly provided outside thefirst cover 134. The user can check the remaining battery level of thebattery 70 on the indicator 110 from outside of the electrical seatpostassembly 18. In a case where the first cover 134 is made of atransparent material or a semi-transparent material, the indicator 110can be provided in the first cover 134.

The operation of the electrical seatpost assembly 18 will be describedin detail below.

As seen in FIG. 4, in a state where the overall length of the electricalseatpost assembly 18 is the maximum overall length L0, the third sealmember 63 is disposed radially inward of the recesses 42 b of the innertube 42. In this state, as seen in FIG. 6, the third gate G3 is open toconnect the first chamber C1 to the intermediate chamber C12. The firstchamber C1 is in communication with the second valve chamber VC2 via thethird gate G3, the intermediate chamber C12, and the third through-holesH3 in the closed state where the movable member 44 is positioned at theclosed position P10.

As seen in FIG. 8, the movable member 44 is moved from the closedposition P10 to the second open position P12 when the second adjustmentswitch SW22 (FIG. 3) of the operating device 28 is operated by the user.This opens the second gate G2 to connect the first chamber C1 to thethird chamber C3 via the second passageway PW2. This allows thesubstantially incompressible fluid to flow between the first chamber C1and the third chamber C3 via the second passageway PW2.

When the rider's weight is applied to the second cylinder 32 via themounting portion 37 (FIG. 4), fluid pressure increases in the firstchamber C1. This causes the substantially incompressible fluid to flowfrom the first chamber C1 to the third chamber C3 via the secondpassageway PW2. At this time, the piston 58 is pressed toward thebiasing chamber C4 relative to the first cylinder 30, causing thecompressible fluid to be compressed in the biasing chamber C4. Thisallows the second cylinder 32 to be downwardly moved relative to thefirst cylinder 30 using the rider's weight (FIGS. 9 and 10).

On the other hand, when the rider's weight is released from the secondcylinder 32, the compressible fluid compressed in the biasing chamber C4biases the second cylinder 32 to upwardly move relative to the firstcylinder 30 in the telescopic direction D1. This causes thesubstantially incompressible fluid to flow from the third chamber C3 tothe first chamber C1 via the second passageway PW2. The second cylinder32 is upwardly moved relative to the first cylinder 30 while the rider'sweight is released from the second cylinder 32.

As seen in FIG. 6, the second gate G2 is closed when the movable member44 returns to the closed position P10, causing the substantiallyincompressible fluid to stop flowing between the first chamber C1 andthe third chamber C3 via the second passageway PW2 (FIG. 8). This allowsthe second cylinder 32 to be positioned at any position within thesecond adjustable range AR2 (FIG. 4) corresponding to the range RG1 ofthe recesses 42 b.

As seen in FIG. 10, when the third seal member 63 reaches the upper sideof the recesses 42 b, the third seal member 63 comes in contact with theinner peripheral surface 42 a of the inner tube 42 along the inner wholeperiphery of the inner tube 42. This causes the third gate G3 to beclosed so that the substantially incompressible fluid stops flowing fromthe first chamber C1 to the third chamber C3. This allows the secondcylinder 32 to be positioned at a position corresponding to theintermediate total length L2 (FIG. 4) relative to the first cylinder 30by operating the second adjustment operating switch SW22. The secondcylinder 32 does not move relative to the first cylinder 30 in thetelescopic direction D1 until the first gate G1 is open.

As seen FIG. 7, the movable member 44 is moved from the closed positionP10 to the first open position P11 when the first adjustment switch SW21(FIG. 3) of the operating device 28 is operated by the user. This opensthe first gate G1 and the second gate G2 to connect the first chamber C1to the third chamber C3 via the first passageway PW1. This allows thesubstantially incompressible fluid to flow between the first chamber C1and the second chamber C2 via the first passageway PW1 and the secondpassageway PW2. However, the positioning structure 38 can have such aconstruction that the second passageway PW2 is closed in a state wherethe first passageway PW1 is open.

When the rider's weight applied to the second cylinder 32, the fluidpressure increases in the first chamber C1. This causes thesubstantially incompressible fluid to flow from the first chamber C1 tothe third chamber C3 via the first passageway PW1. At this time, thepiston 58 is pressed toward the biasing chamber C4 relative to the firstcylinder 30, causing the compressible fluid to be compressed in thebiasing chamber C4. This allows the second cylinder 32 to be downwardlymoved relative to the first cylinder 30 using the rider's weight.

On the other hand, when the rider's weight is released from the secondcylinder 32, the compressible fluid compressed in the biasing chamber C4biases the second cylinder 32 to upwardly move relative to the firstcylinder 30 in the telescopic direction D1. This causes thesubstantially incompressible fluid to flow from the third chamber C3 tothe first chamber C1 via the first passageway PW1. The second cylinder32 is upwardly moved relative to the first cylinder 30 while the rider'sweight is released from the second cylinder 32.

The first gate G1 and the second gate G2 are closed when the movablemember 44 returns to the closed position P10 (FIG. 6), causing thesubstantially incompressible fluid to stop flowing between the firstchamber C1 and the third chamber C3 via the first passageway PW1 (FIG.7). Accordingly, a relative position between the first cylinder 30 andthe second cylinder 32 can be continuously adjusted regardless of therecesses 42 b in the first open state where the movable member 44 isdisposed at the first open position P11.

The bicycle 10 and the electrical seatpost assembly 18 have thefollowing features.

(A-1) The power supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2 are disposedin one of the first cylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32 to at leastpartly overlap with each other when viewed from the directionperpendicular to the telescopic direction D1. Accordingly, it ispossible to shorten the total length of the electrical seatpost assembly18 in the telescopic direction D1.

(A-2) Since the electrical actuator AC2 includes the motor 68, it ispossible to make the electrical actuator AC2 more compact.

(A-3) Since the power supply 67 includes the battery 70, it is possibleto make the power supply 67 more compact.

(A-4) Since the battery 70 includes the rechargeable battery, it ispossible to charge the battery 70 without replacing the battery 70 withanother battery.

(A-5) Since the power supply 67 includes the charging port 74 to receiveelectrical power to charge the battery 70, it is possible to easilycharge the battery 70 via the charging port 74.

(A-6) Since the charging port 74 is provided on the outer peripheralsurface of the one of the first cylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32,it is possible to easily access the charging port 74.

(A-7) Since the power supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2 areprovided in the internal space 76 of the first cylinder 30, it ispossible to utilize the internal space 76 of the first cylinder 30 as aspace for the power supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2.

(A-8) Since the power supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2 areprovided at the second end 36 of the first cylinder 30, it is possibleto utilize the second end 36 of the first cylinder 30 as a space for thepower supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2.

(A-9) Since the power supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2 areprovided below the positioning structure 38 in the mounting state, it ispossible to arrange a center of gravity of the electrical seatpostassembly 18 at a lower position in the state where the first cylinder 30is mounted on the bicycle frame 12.

(A-10) Since the power supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2 areprovided in the housing 78, it is possible to deal the power supply 67and the electrical actuator AC2 as a single unit.

(A-11) The control substrate 82 at least partly overlaps with at leastone of the power supply 67 and the electrical actuator AC2 when viewedfrom the direction perpendicular to the telescopic direction D1.Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the total length of theelectrical seatpost assembly 18 in the telescopic direction D1.

(A-12) Since the power supply 67 is detachably attached to the one ofthe first cylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32, it is possible todetach the power supply 67 for maintenance.

(A-13) Since the power supply 67 is detachably connected to theelectrical terminal 88, it is possible to electrically connect the powersupply 67 to an electrical element (e.g., the electrical actuator AC2 orthe seatpost controller CR2) via the electrical terminal 88.

(A-14) Since the electrical seatpost assembly 18 further comprises thepower receiving port 98 to receive electrical power from the externalpower supply 4, it is possible to utilize the electrical power of theexternal power supply 4 in addition to or instead of the power supply67. This can make the capacity of the power supply 67 smaller.

(A-15) The rear derailleur 26 includes the electrical shifting actuatorAC1, and the electrical seatpost assembly 18 includes the electricalactuator AC2. Accordingly, it is possible to electrically operate therear derailleur 26 and the electrical seatpost assembly 18. This cansimplify the operating device 28 to operate the rear derailleur 26 andthe electrical seatpost assembly 18.

(A-16) At least one of the electrical shifting actuator AC1 and theelectrical actuator AC2 is operated based on the at least one wirelesssignal received by the at least one wireless receiver WR1 and/or WR2.Accordingly, it is possible to omit an electrical cable connecting theoperating device 28 to the at least one of the rear derailleur 26 andthe electrical seatpost assembly 18. This can simplify the bicycle 10.

(A-17) The electrical shifting actuator AC1 and the electrical actuatorAC2 are operated based on the wireless signal received by the at leastone wireless receiver WR1 and/or WR2. Accordingly, it is possible toomit an electrical cable connecting the operating device 28 to the rearderailleur 26 and the electrical seatpost assembly 18. This can simplifythe bicycle 10.

(A-18) The at least one wireless receiver WR1 and/or WR2 is electricallyconnected to the electrical shifting actuator AC1 and the electricalactuator AC2 via at least one electrical cable. Accordingly, it ispossible to arrange the at least one wireless receiver WR1 and/or WR2 ata desired position in the bicycle 10.

(A-19) Since the at least one wireless receiver WR1 and/or WR2 includesthe first wireless receiver WR1 and the second wireless receiver WR2, itis possible to respectively operate the electrical shifting actuator AC1and the electrical actuator AC2 via the first wireless receiver WR1 andthe second wireless receiver WR2.

(B-1) The upper end of the electrical device 96 is disposed above thelower end of the guide member 94 in the telescopic direction D1 in themounting state where the first cylinder 30 is mounted to the bicycleframe 12. Accordingly, it is possible to utilize a space disposed aroundthe guide member 94, allowing the electrical seatpost assembly 18 to becompact.

(B-2) Since the guide member 94 is provided at the first end 34, it ispossible to utilize a space disposed around the first end 34 of thefirst cylinder 30, allowing the electrical seatpost assembly 18 to becompact without making a total length of the electrical seatpostassembly 18 in the telescopic direction D1.

(B-3) Since the upper end of the electrical device 96 is disposed abovethe lower end of the seal 100 in the telescopic direction D1 in themounting state, it is possible to utilize a space disposed around theseal 100 provided at the first end 34, allowing the electrical seatpostassembly 18 to be compact.

(B-4) At least one of the guide member 94 and the seal 100 is disposedbetween the cover member 102 and the second cylinder 32 in the directionperpendicular to the telescopic direction D1. Accordingly, it ispossible to protect at least one of the guide member 94 and the seal 100by the cover member 102.

(B-5) The electrical device 96 is configured to receive at least one ofthe electrical input and the mechanical input. Accordingly, it ispossible to operate the electrical seatpost assembly 18 using at leastone of the electrical input and the mechanical input.

(B-6) Since the electrical device 96 includes the wireless receiver WR2to wirelessly receive the wireless signal, it is possible to operate theelectrical seatpost assembly 18 using the wireless signal.

(B-7) Since the electrical device 96 includes the pairing switch 104 toswitch the mode of the wireless receiver WR2 to the pairing mode, it ispossible to easily perform the pairing between the wireless receiver WR2and an external operating device (e.g., the operating device 28).

(B-8) Since the cover member 102 includes the resin material, it ispossible to maintain the intensity of the wireless signal even if thecover member 102 is disposed to cover the wireless receiver WR2.

(B-9) Since the electrical device 96 includes the start switch 106 toturn the electrical actuator AC2 on, it is possible to manually startthe electrical actuator AC2 via the start switch 106.

(B-10) Since the electrical device 96 includes the operating switch 108to operate the electrical actuator AC2 to actuate the positioningstructure 38, it is possible to manually operate the electrical actuatorAC2 via the operating switch 108.

(B-11) Since the electrical device 96 includes the control substrate116, it is possible to install electrical elements on the controlsubstrate 116 in accordance with the desired specification of theelectrical seatpost assembly 18.

(B-12) The indicator 110 is provided outside the first cylinder 30 andthe second cylinder 32 to indicate the seatpost information relating tothe electrical seatpost assembly 18. Accordingly, it is possible toinform the user of the seatpost information relating to the electricalseatpost assembly 18.

(B-13) Since the seatpost information includes the remaining batterylevel of the battery 70, it is possible to inform the user of theremaining battery level of the battery 70.

(B-14) Since the electrical device 96 includes the charging port 74 toreceive electrical power to charge the battery 70, it is possible tocharge the battery 70 via the charging port 74.

(B-15) Since the electrical device 96 is provided on the front side ofthe guide member 94 in the mounting state, it is possible to easilyoperate or check the electrical device 96 for the user during cycling.

(B-16) The electrical device 96 is provided not to protrude radiallyoutwardly from the outer peripheral surface 102 a of the cover member102. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the interference between theelectrical device 96 and the bicycle frame 12 when the first cylinder 30is mounted to the bicycle frame 12.

(B-17) The electrical device 96 includes at least one power receivingport 98 to receive electrical power from the external power supply 4.Accordingly, it is possible to utilize the electrical power of theexternal power supply 4.

(B-18) The at least one power receiving port 98 is movably mountedrelative to the first cylinder 30 in the circumferential direction ofthe first cylinder 30. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust a positionof the at least one power receiving port 98 in the circumferentialdirection. This allows the user to select a preferable route of anelectrical cable.

(B-19) The electrical device 96 includes the charging port 74 to receiveelectrical power to charge the battery 70. Accordingly, it is possibleto charge the battery 70 via the charging port 74.

(B-20) Since the connecting part 118 electrically connects theelectrical device 96 to the motor 68, it is possible to electricallyconnect the electrical device 96 to the motor 68 via the connecting part118 even if the electrical device 96 is arranged apart from the motor68.

(B-21) The connecting part 118 includes the electronic substrate 120electrically connecting the electrical device 96 to the motor 68.Accordingly, it is possible to utilize the electronic substrate 120 as acable electrically connecting the electrical device 96 to the motor 68.This can make a space for the electronic substrate 120 smaller.

(B-22) Since the first cylinder 30 includes the accommodation part 122accommodating the connecting part 118, it is possible to utilize a partof the first cylinder 30 as a space for accommodating the connectingpart 118. This can maintain the size of the electrical seatpost assembly18.

(B-23) The electrical seatpost assembly 18 comprises the indicator 110to indicate seatpost information relating to the electrical seatpostassembly 18. The indicator 110 is provided on one of the first cylinder30 and the second cylinder 32. Accordingly, it is possible to inform theuser of the seatpost information relating to the electrical seatpostassembly 18.

(B-24) Since the indicator 110 includes one of the light emittingelement and the display, it is possible to easily check the seatpostinformation for the user via the indicator 110.

(B-25) Since the seatpost information includes the remaining batterylevel of the battery 70 to supply electrical power to the electricalactuator AC2, it is possible to inform the user of the remaining batterylevel of the battery 70.

(B-26) Since the electrical seatpost assembly 18 further comprises thebattery 70 to supply the electrical power to the electrical actuatorAC2, it is possible to omit a power cable.

(B-27) Since the indicator 110 indicates the remaining battery level ofthe battery 70 when the electrical actuator AC2 is turned on, it ispossible to inform the user of the remaining battery level of when theelectrical actuator AC2 is turned on.

(B-28) Since the indicator 110 indicates the remaining battery level ofthe battery 70 when the indicator 110 receives the indication commandsignal, it is possible to inform the user of the remaining battery levelat a specific timing caused by the indication command signal.

(B-29) The indicator 110 is provided on the front side of one of thefirst cylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32 in the mounting state wherethe first cylinder 30 is mounted to the bicycle frame 12. Accordingly,it is possible to easily check the seatpost information indicated by theindicator 110 for user.

(B-30) The electrical seatpost assembly 18 comprises the changing device65 to change the state of the actuating device 64 between the accessiblestate and the inaccessible state. Accordingly, it is possible tomanually or automatically switch the state of the actuating device 64between the accessible state and the inaccessible state using the switchdevice. This can reduce power consumption of the actuating device 64.

(B-31) Since the changing device 65 includes the manual switch 66, it ispossible to manually switch the state of the actuating device 64 betweenthe accessible state and the inaccessible state using the changingdevice 65. This can reduce power consumption of the actuating device 64.

(B-32) Since the manual switch 66 is provided on the outer peripheralsurface 30 a or 32 a of one of the first cylinder 30 and the secondcylinder 32, it is possible to easily access the manual switch 66.

(B-33) The changing device 65 changes the state of the actuating device64 from the accessible state to the inaccessible state when the changingdevice 65 does not receive the input for the waiting time in theaccessible state. Accordingly, it is possible to automatically switchthe state of the actuating device 64 from the accessible state to theinaccessible state. This can reduce power consumption of the actuatingdevice 64.

(B-34) Since the wireless receiver WR2 wirelessly receives the wirelesssignal in the accessible state of the actuating device 64, it ispossible to operate the actuating device 64 using the wireless signal.

(B-35) The electrical seatpost assembly 18 further comprises theoperating switch 108 to operate the electrical actuator AC2 to actuatethe positioning structure 38 without the wireless signal. Accordingly,it is possible to manually operate the electrical actuator AC2 via theoperating switch 108 even if the electrical actuator AC2 does notreceive the wireless signal.

Second Embodiment

An electrical seatpost assembly 218 in accordance with a secondembodiment will be described below referring to FIG. 22. The electricalseatpost assembly 218 has substantially the same structure and/orconfiguration as that of the electrical seatpost assembly 18 except forthe shape and arrangement of the battery 70 and the control substrate82. Thus, elements having substantially the same function as those inthe first embodiment will be numbered the same here, and will not bedescribed and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIG. 22, the electrical seatpost assembly 218 comprises apower supply 267 and a control substrate 282. The power supply 267includes a battery 270. The battery 270 has substantially the samefunction as that of the battery 70 of the first embodiment. The controlsubstrate 282 has substantially the same function as that of the controlsubstrate 82 of the first embodiment. However, the battery 270 has atubular shape when viewed from the telescopic direction D1. The controlsubstrate 282 has a tubular shape when viewed from the telescopicdirection D1. The control substrate 282 is provided between the motor 68and the battery 370. Since the control substrate 282 has the tubularshape, it is possible to effectively utilize an internal space of thefirst cylinder 30.

With the electrical seatpost assembly 218, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the electrical seatpostassembly 18 in accordance with the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

A bicycle 310 including an electrical seatpost assembly 318 inaccordance with a third embodiment will be described below referring toFIGS. 23 to 26. The bicycle 310 has substantially the same structureand/or configuration as that of the bicycle 10 except for thearrangement of the power supply 67. Thus, elements having substantiallythe same function as those in the above embodiments will be numbered thesame here, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detailhere for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 23 to 26, in the electrical seatpost assembly 318, theelectrical device 96 includes a battery 370. The battery 370 hassubstantially the same structure as that of the battery 70 of the firstembodiment. As seen in FIG. 24, however, an upper end of the battery 370is disposed above the lower end of the guide member 94 in the telescopicdirection D1 in the mounting state where the first cylinder 30 ismounted to the bicycle frame 12. In this embodiment, the battery 370 isdetachably attached to the cover member 102. The battery 370 is providedon the rear side of the cover member 102 in the mounting state.

As seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, the electrical terminal 88 (the firstterminal 90 and the second terminal 92) and the charging controller CC1are mounted on the control substrate 116. The battery 370 iselectrically and mechanically connected to the electrical terminal 88.As seen in FIG. 26, the electrical terminal 88 is electrically connectedto the charging controller CC1 via the control substrate 116. Thecharging controller CC1 is electrically connected to the seatpostcontroller CR2 via the connecting part 118 and the control substrate 82.

With the bicycle 310 and the electrical seatpost assembly 318, it ispossible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of thebicycle 10 and the electrical seatpost assembly 18 in accordance withthe first embodiment.

Since the electrical device 96 includes the battery 370, it is possibleto utilize a space disposed around the guide member 94 for the battery370, allowing the electrical seatpost assembly 318 to be compact.

Since the battery 370 is detachably attached to the cover member 102, itis possible to detach and attach the battery 370 from and to the covermember 102 in the mounting state.

Furthermore, since the battery 370 is provided on the rear side of thecover member 102 in the mounting state, it is possible to utilize aspace disposed around the rear side of the cover member 102 for thebattery 370.

Fourth Embodiment

A bicycle 410 including an electrical seatpost assembly 418 inaccordance with a fourth embodiment will be described below referring toFIGS. 27 and 28. The bicycle 410 has substantially the same structureand/or configuration as that of the bicycle 10 except for the powersupply 67. Thus, elements having substantially the same function asthose in the above embodiments will be numbered the same here, and willnot be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIGS. 27 and 28, in the electrical seatpost assembly 418, thepower receiving port 98 is electrically connected to the battery unitBT1 of the rear derailleur 26 via an electrical cable 6. The powersupply 67 and the electrical terminal 88 are omitted from the electricalseatpost assembly 418. The electrical power is supplied from the batteryunit BT1 to the electrical seatpost assembly 418 via the electricalcable 6 and the power receiving port 98. The battery unit BT1 is sharedbetween the rear derailleur 26 and the electrical seatpost assembly 418.In this embodiment, the battery sensor 112 senses the remaining batterylevel of the battery unit BT1. The indication controller 114 controlsthe indicator 110 to indicate the remaining battery level of the batteryunit BT1. The battery sensor 112 and the indication controller 114 canbe omitted from the electrical seatpost assembly 418.

With the bicycle 410 and the electrical seatpost assembly 418, it ispossible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of thebicycle 10 and the electrical seatpost assembly 18 in accordance withthe first embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment

A bicycle 510 including an electrical seatpost assembly 518 inaccordance with a sixteenth embodiment will be described below referringto FIGS. 29 and 30. The bicycle 510 has substantially the same structureand/or configuration as that of the bicycle 10 except for the electricalseatpost assembly 18 and the rear derailleur 26. Thus, elements havingsubstantially the same function as those in the above embodiments willbe numbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustratedagain in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 29, the bicycle 510 comprises the electrical seatpostassembly 518 and a rear derailleur 526. The electrical seatpost assembly518 has substantially the same structure as that of the electricalseatpost assembly 18 of the first embodiment. The rear derailleur 526has substantially the same structure as that of the rear derailleur 26of the first embodiment.

In the electrical seatpost assembly 518, the power supply 67 isconfigured to be detachably connected to an additional electricalbicycle component to supply electrical power to an additional electricalactuator of the additional electrical bicycle component. Examples of theadditional electrical bicycle component includes the rear derailleur526. Examples of the additional electrical actuator includes theshifting electrical actuator AC1 of the rear derailleur 526. In thisembodiment, the power supply 67 is configured to be detachably connectedto the rear derailleur 526 to supply electrical power to the shiftingelectrical actuator AC1 of the rear derailleur 526.

In this embodiment, the power supply 67 is configured to be detachablyconnected to the rear derailleur 526 to supply electrical power to theelectrical shifting actuator AC1 of the rear derailleur 526. The rearderailleur 526 can also be referred to as the additional electricalbicycle component 526. The electrical shifting actuator AC1 can also bereferred to as the additional electrical bicycle actuator AC1.

The power supply 67 is electrically connected to the rear derailleur 526via the electrical cable 6. The power supply 67 supplies electricalpower to the rear derailleur 526 via the electrical cable 6. The batteryunit BT1 is omitted from the rear derailleur 526.

The electrical seatpost assembly 518 includes a power output port 598electrically connected to the rear derailleur 526 via the electricalcable 6. The electrical cable 6 is detachably connected to the poweroutput port 598. The power output port 598 is electrically connected tothe charging controller CC1. The charging controller CC1 controlselectrical power supplied to the rear derailleur 528.

The rear derailleur 526 includes a receiving port 527 electricallyconnected to the rear derailleur 526 via the electrical cable 6. Theelectrical cable 6 is detachably connected to the receiving port 527.The receiving port 527 is electrically connected to the shiftingcontroller CR1, the wireless receiver WR1, and the shifting electricalactuator AC1.

With the bicycle 510 and the electrical seatpost assembly 518, it ispossible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of thebicycle 10 and the electrical seatpost assembly 18 in accordance withthe first embodiment.

Furthermore, it is possible to share the power supply 67 with theelectrical actuator AC2 and the additional electrical bicycle component(e.g., the shifting electrical actuator AC1). This can simplify thebicycle system including the electrical seatpost assembly 518 and theadditional electrical bicycle component (e.g., the rear derailleur 526).Furthermore, in a case where batteries are respectively mounted to theelectrical seatpost assembly 18 and the additional electrical seatpostassembly, the sharing of the power supply 67 allows a battery of one ofthe electrical seatpost assembly 18 and the additional electricalbicycle component to be replaced with another battery of the other ofthe electrical seatpost assembly 18 and the additional electricalbicycle component when the battery of the one of the electrical seatpostassembly 18 and the additional electrical bicycle component is empty.

Sixth Embodiment

A bicycle 610 including an electrical seatpost assembly 618 inaccordance with a sixth embodiment will be described below referring toFIGS. 31 and 32. The bicycle 610 has substantially the same structureand/or configuration as that of the bicycle 10 except for the powersupply 67. Thus, elements having substantially the same function asthose in the above embodiments will be numbered the same here, and willnot be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIGS. 31 and 32, in the electrical seatpost assembly 618, thepower receiving port 98 is electrically connected to the rear derailleur26 via an electrical communication cable 8 using power linecommunication technology. Power line communication (PLC) carries data ona conductor that is also used simultaneously for electric powertransmission or electric power distribution to the electric component.The rear derailleur 26 includes a first PLC controller PC1. The firstPLC controller PC1 is electrically connected to the wireless receiverWR1 and the battery unit BT1. The first PLC controller PC1 receives thefirst adjustment signal AS1 and the second adjustment signal AS2 fromthe wireless receiver WR1. The first PLC controller PC1 superimposes thefirst adjustment signal AS1 or the second adjustment signal AS2 on apower source voltage flowing in the electrical communication cable 8.

As seen in FIG. 32, the electrical seatpost assembly 618 includes asecond PLC controller PC2. The second PLC controller PC2 separates aninput power source voltage into a power source voltage and controlsignals (the first adjustment signal AS1 and the second adjustmentsignal AS2). The second PLC controller PC2 regulates the power sourcevoltage to a level at which various components of the electricalseatpost assembly 618 can properly operate. The second PLC controllerPC2 outputs the control signals to the seatpost controller CR2. Thus,the first adjustment signal AS1 and the second adjustment signal AS2 aretransmitted from the operating device 28 to the electrical seatpostassembly 618 via the rear derailleur 26.

With the bicycle 610 and the electrical seatpost assembly 618, it ispossible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of thebicycle 10 and the electrical seatpost assembly 18 in accordance withthe first embodiment.

Seventh Embodiment

A bicycle 710 in accordance with a seventh embodiment will be describedbelow referring to FIG. 33. The bicycle 710 has substantially the samestructure and/or configuration as that of the bicycle 10 except for therear derailleur 26. Thus, elements having substantially the samefunction as those in the above embodiments will be numbered the samehere, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detail herefor the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 33, the bicycle 710 comprises the electrical seatpostassembly 18, a rear derailleur 726, and an operating device 728. Therear derailleur 726 has substantially the same structure as that of therear derailleur 26 of the first embodiment. The operating device 728 hassubstantially the same structure as that of the operating device 28 ofthe first embodiment. However, the rear derailleur 726 is electricallyconnected to the operating device 728 via an electrical cable 9. Theupshifting signal US and the downshifting signal DS are transmitted fromthe operating device 728 to the rear derailleur 726 via the electricalcable 9. The wireless transmitter WT1 is omitted from the operatingdevice 728, and the wireless receiver WR1 is omitted from the rearderailleur 726.

With the bicycle 710, it is possible to obtain substantially the sameeffects as those of the bicycle 10 in accordance with the firstembodiment.

Eighth Embodiment

A bicycle 810 in accordance with an eighth embodiment will be describedbelow referring to FIG. 34. The bicycle 810 has substantially the samestructure and/or configuration as that of the bicycle 610 except for therear derailleur 626 and the operating device 628. Thus, elements havingsubstantially the same function as those in the above embodiments willbe numbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustratedagain in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 34, the bicycle 810 comprises the electrical seatpostassembly 618, a rear derailleur 826, and an operating device 828. Therear derailleur 826 has substantially the same structure as that of therear derailleur 26 of the first embodiment. The operating device 828 hassubstantially the same structure as that of the operating device 28 ofthe first embodiment. However, the electrical seatpost assembly 618, therear derailleur 826, and the operating device 828 are electricallyconnected to each other via the electrical cable 9 using the PLCtechnology.

The wireless transmitters WT1 and WT2 are omitted from the operatingdevice 828. The wireless receiver WR1 is omitted from the rearderailleur 826. The wireless receiver WR2 is omitted from the electricalseatpost assembly 618. The bicycle 810 includes a battery unit BT3. Thebattery unit BT3 is mounted to the bicycle frame 12 (FIG. 1). Thebattery unit BT3 are electrically connected to the electrical seatpostassembly 618, the rear derailleur 826, and the operating device 828 viathe electrical cable 9. The battery unit BT2 is omitted from theoperating device 828.

The rear derailleur 826 includes the receiving port 527 of the fifthembodiment and the first PLC controller PC1 of the sixth embodiment. Thereceiving port 527 is electrically connected to the shifting controllerCR1, the first PLC controller PC1, and the shifting electrical actuatorAC1.

Electrical power is supplied from the battery unit BT2 to the electricalseatpost assembly 618, the rear derailleur 826, and the operating device828 via the electrical communication cable 8 using the PLC technology.Command signals are transmitted from the operating device 828 to theelectrical seatpost assembly 618 and the rear derailleur 826 via theelectrical communication cable 8 using the PLC technology.

With the bicycle 810, it is possible to obtain substantially the sameeffects as those of the bicycle 610 in accordance with the sixthembodiment.

Ninth Embodiment

An electrical seatpost assembly 918 in accordance with a ninthembodiment will be described below referring to FIGS. 35 and 36. Theelectrical seatpost assembly 918 has substantially the same structureand/or configuration as that of the electrical seatpost assembly 18except for the arrangement of the charging port 74. Thus, elementshaving substantially the same function as those in the above embodimentswill be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/orillustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 35 and 36, in the electrical seatpost assembly 918, thecover member 102 includes the charging port 74 to receive electricalpower to charge the battery 70. Specifically, the charging port 74 ismounted to the cover member 102. The charging port 74 is electricallyconnected to the charging controller CC1.

With the electrical seatpost assembly 918, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the electrical seatpostassembly 18 in accordance with the first embodiment.

Tenth Embodiment

An electrical seatpost assembly 1018 in accordance with a tenthembodiment will be described below referring to FIGS. 37 to 39. Theelectrical seatpost assembly 1018 has substantially the same structureand/or configuration as that of the electrical seatpost assembly 18except for the arrangement of the charging port 74. Thus, elementshaving substantially the same function as those in the above embodimentswill be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/orillustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 37 to 39, in the electrical seatpost assembly 1018, thecharging port 74 is provided at the second end 36 of the first cylinder30. Since the charging port 74 is provided at the second end 36 of thefirst cylinder 30, it is possible to utilize the second end 36 of thefirst cylinder 30 as a space for the charging port 74.

With the electrical seatpost assembly 1018, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the electrical seatpostassembly 18 in accordance with the first embodiment.

Eleventh Embodiment

A bicycle 1110 including an electrical seatpost assembly 1118 inaccordance with an eleventh embodiment will be described below referringto FIGS. 40 to 42. The bicycle 1110 has substantially the same structureand/or configuration as that of the bicycle 10 except for the chargingport 74. Thus, elements having substantially the same function as thosein the above embodiments will be numbered the same here, and will not bedescribed and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIGS. 40 to 42, in the electrical seatpost assembly 1118, theat least one power receiving port 98 includes a plurality of powerreceiving ports 98. In this embodiment, the at least one power receivingport 98 includes two power receiving ports 98. The plurality of powerreceiving ports 98 are spaced apart from each other in thecircumferential direction D2 of the first cylinder 30. Accordingly, theplurality of power receiving ports 98 allow the user to select apreferable port among the plurality of power receiving ports 98. Thisallows the user to select a preferable route of an electrical cable 3.

With the bicycle 1110 and the electrical seatpost assembly 1118, it ispossible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of thebicycle 10 and the electrical seatpost assembly 18 in accordance withthe first embodiment.

Twelfth Embodiment

An electrical seatpost assembly 1218 in accordance with a twelfthembodiment will be described below referring to FIGS. 43 to 45. Theelectrical seatpost assembly 1218 has substantially the same structureand/or configuration as that of the electrical seatpost assembly 18except for a configuration to operate the indicator 110. Thus, elementshaving substantially the same function as those in the above embodimentswill be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/orillustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 43, the electrical seatpost assembly 1218 furthercomprises an indication operating device 1229 to generate the indicationcommand signal. The indicator 110 indicates the remaining battery levelof the battery 70 when the indicator 110 receives the indication commandsignal. In this embodiment, the indication operating device 1229 is aswitch to generate the indication command signal when operated by theuser. The indication operating device 1229 maintains the indicationcommand signal while the indication operating device 1229 is operated bythe user.

The electrical seatpost assembly 1218 includes an indication controller1214. The indication controller 1214 controls the indicator 110 toindicate the remaining battery level of the battery 70 based on theindication command signal. The indication controller 1214 iselectrically connected to the indicator 110, the indication operatingdevice 1229, and the electrical actuator AC2. The indication controller1214 senses the indication command signal generated by the indicationoperating device 1229. The indication controller 1214 controls theindicator 110 to indicate the remaining battery level of the battery 70when the indication controller 1214 senses the indication commandsignal. The indication controller 1214 controls the indicator 110 tokeep indicating the remaining battery level of the battery 70 while theindication operating device 1229 is operated by the user.

As seen in FIG. 44, the indication operating device 1229 is provided onone of the first cylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32. In thisembodiment, the indication operating device 1229 is provided on thesecond cylinder 32. However, the indication operating device 1229 can beprovided on the first cylinder 30. The indication operating device 1229is mounted on the control substrate 116.

As seen in FIG. 45, the indication operating device 1229 is mounted onthe control substrate 82. The indication operating device 1229 isprovided on the right side of the guide member 94 in the mounting state.However, the arrangement of the indication operating device 1229 is notlimited to this embodiment.

The first cylinder 30 includes a fifth opening 1231. The fifth opening1231 is provided on the right side of the guide member 94 in themounting state. The cover member 102 includes a sixth opening 1233. Thesixth opening 1233 is provided on the right side of the guide member 94in the mounting state.

The electrical seatpost assembly 1218 includes a third cover 1235. Thethird cover 1235 is detachably attached to the cover member 102 to coverthe fifth opening 1231 and the sixth opening 1233. The third cover 1235is made of a flexible material such as rubber. The user can operate theindication operating device 1229 from outside of the electrical seatpostassembly 1218 via the third cover 1235.

With the electrical seatpost assembly 1218, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the electrical seatpostassembly 18 in accordance with the first embodiment.

Since the electrical seatpost assembly 1218 further comprises theindication operating device 1229 to generate the indication commandsignal, it is possible to generate the indication command signal basedon a user input via the indication operating device 1229. This allowsthe user to check the remaining battery level at a desired timing of theuser's choice.

Since the indication operating device 1229 is provided on one of thefirst cylinder 30 and the second cylinder 32, it is possible to easilyaccess the indication operating device 1229.

Thirteenth Embodiment

An electrical seatpost assembly 1318 in accordance with a thirteenthembodiment will be described below referring to FIGS. 46 and 47. Theelectrical seatpost assembly 1318 has substantially the same structureand/or configuration as that of the electrical seatpost assembly 18except for the changing device 65. Thus, elements having substantiallythe same function as those in the above embodiments will be numbered thesame here, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detailhere for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 46, in the electrical seatpost assembly 1318, thechanging device 65 includes a sensor instead of the manual switch 66.The changing device 65 automatically changes the state of the actuatingdevice 64 between the accessible state and the inaccessible state basedon a sensing result of the sensor.

In this embodiment, the changing device 65 includes a vibration sensor1366 to sense vibration of the bicycle 10. The vibration sensor 1366 ismounted to the first end 34 of the first cylinder 30. However, thevibration sensor 1366 can be mounted to other parts of the electricalseatpost assembly or other parts in the bicycle 10.

As seen in FIG. 47, the vibration sensor 1366 is mounted on the controlsubstrate 116. The vibration sensor 1366 is provided on the right sideof the guide member 94 in the mounting state. However, the arrangementof the vibration sensor 1366 is not limited to this embodiment.

The changing device 65 automatically changes the state of the actuatingdevice 64 between the accessible state and the inaccessible state basedon a sensing result of the vibration sensor 1366. Specifically, thechanging device 65 automatically changes the state of the actuatingdevice 64 from the inaccessible state to the accessible state when thevibration sensor 1366 senses vibration of the bicycle 10 in theinaccessible state. The changing device 65 automatically changes thestate of the actuating device 64 from the accessible state to theinaccessible state when the vibration sensor 1366 does not sensevibration of the bicycle 10 for a waiting time in the accessible state.

With the electrical seatpost assembly 1318, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the electrical seatpostassembly 18 in accordance with the first embodiment.

Since the changing device 65 includes the sensor, it is possible toautomatically change the state of the actuating device 64 between theaccessible state and the inaccessible state using the changing device65. This can reduce power consumption of the actuating device 64.

Since the changing device 65 includes the vibration sensor 1366 to sensevibration of the bicycle 10, it is possible to automatically switch thestate of the actuating device 64 between the accessible state and theinaccessible state based on the vibration of the bicycle 10.

Fourteenth Embodiment

An electrical seatpost assembly 1418 in accordance with a fourteenthembodiment will be described below referring to FIGS. 48 and 49. Theelectrical seatpost assembly 1418 has substantially the same structureand/or configuration as that of the electrical seatpost assembly 1318except for the changing device 65. Thus, elements having substantiallythe same function as those in the above embodiments will be numbered thesame here, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detailhere for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 48, in the electrical seatpost assembly 1418, thechanging device 65 includes a seating sensor 1466 to sense that therider is on the saddle 20 mounted to the electrical seatpost assembly1418. In this embodiment, the seating sensor 1466 includes a strainsensor 1467 to sense strain of the electrical seatpost assembly 1418.Accordingly, it is possible to automatically change the state of theactuating device 64 between the accessible state and the inaccessiblestate based on the usage state of the electrical seatpost assembly 18.The strain sensor 1467 is electrically connected to the seatpostcontroller CR2. Examples of the strain sensor 1467 includes a straingauge.

As seen in FIG. 49, the seating sensor 1466 is provided in thepositioning structure 38. Accordingly, it is possible to determine thatthe rider is on the saddle based on a state of the positioning structure38. The strain sensor 1467 is attached to the support member 40 to sensestrain of the support member 40. The strain occurs on the support member40 when the rider sits on the saddle 20. However, the strain sensor 1467can be attached to other parts of the electrical seatpost assembly 1418.The strain sensor 1467 is electrically connected to the seatpostcontroller CR2.

The changing device 65 automatically changes the state of the actuatingdevice 64 between the accessible state and the inaccessible state basedon a sensing result of the strain sensor 1467. Specifically, thechanging device 65 automatically changes the state of the actuatingdevice 64 from the inaccessible state to the accessible state when thestrain sensor 1467 senses strain of the bicycle 10 in the inaccessiblestate. The changing device 65 automatically changes the state of theactuating device 64 from the accessible state to the inaccessible statewhen the strain sensor 1467 does not sense strain of the bicycle 10 fora waiting time in the accessible state.

With the electrical seatpost assembly 1418, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the electrical seatpostassembly 1318 in accordance with the thirteenth embodiment.

Since the seating sensor 1466 includes the strain sensor 1467 to sensestrain of the electrical seatpost assembly 1418, it is possible to sensethat the rider is on the saddle 20 base on the strain of the electricalseatpost assembly 1418.

Fifteenth Embodiment

An electrical seatpost assembly 1518 in accordance with a fifteenthembodiment will be described below referring to FIGS. 50 and 51. Theelectrical seatpost assembly 1518 has substantially the same structureand/or configuration as that of the electrical seatpost assembly 1318except for the seating sensor 1466. Thus, elements having substantiallythe same function as those in the above embodiments will be numbered thesame here, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detailhere for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 50, in the electrical seatpost assembly 1518, theseating sensor 1466 includes an air pressure sensor 1567 to sense apressure in an air chamber of the electrical seatpost assembly 1518.

As seen in FIG. 51, in this embodiment, the air pressure sensor 1567senses a pressure in the biasing chamber C4 of the electrical seatpostassembly 1518. The pressure varies in the biasing chamber C4 due to therider's weight when the rider sits on the saddle 20. The air pressuresensor 1567 senses change in the pressure of the biasing chamber C4.

The changing device 65 automatically changes the state of the actuatingdevice 64 between the accessible state and the inaccessible state basedon a sensing result of the air pressure sensor 1567. Specifically, thechanging device 65 automatically changes the state of the actuatingdevice 64 from the inaccessible state to the accessible state when theair pressure sensor 1567 senses the change in the pressure of thebiasing chamber C4 in the inaccessible state. The changing device 65automatically changes the state of the actuating device 64 from theaccessible state to the inaccessible state when the air pressure sensor1567 does not sense the change in the pressure of the biasing chamber C4for a waiting time in the accessible state. In this embodiment, thechanging device 65 automatically changes the state of the actuatingdevice 64 between the accessible state and the inaccessible state onlywhen the movable member 44 is positioned at the closed position P10.

With the electrical seatpost assembly 1518, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the electrical seatpostassembly 1318 in accordance with the thirteenth embodiment.

The seating sensor 1466 includes the air pressure sensor 1567, it ispossible to sense that the rider is on the saddle 20 base on thepressure of the air chamber (e.g., the biasing chamber C4).

Sixteenth Embodiment

An electrical seatpost assembly 1618 in accordance with a sixteenthembodiment will be described below referring to FIGS. 52 and 53. Theelectrical seatpost assembly 1618 has substantially the same structureand/or configuration as that of the electrical seatpost assembly 1418except for the seating sensor 1466. Thus, elements having substantiallythe same function as those in the above embodiments will be numbered thesame here, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detailhere for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 52, in the electrical seatpost assembly 1618, theseating sensor 1466 includes a hydraulic sensor 1667 to sense a pressurein a hydraulic chamber of the electrical seatpost assembly 1618.

In this embodiment, the hydraulic sensor 1667 senses a pressure in thefirst chamber C1 of the electrical seatpost assembly 1618. The pressurevaries in the first chamber C1 when the rider sits on the saddle 20. Thehydraulic sensor 1667 senses change in the pressure of the first chamberC1.

The changing device 65 automatically changes the state of the actuatingdevice 64 between the accessible state and the inaccessible state basedon a sensing result of the hydraulic sensor 1667. Specifically, thechanging device 65 automatically changes the state of the actuatingdevice 64 from the inaccessible state to the accessible state when thehydraulic sensor 1667 senses the change in the pressure of the firstchamber C1 in the inaccessible state. The changing device 65automatically changes the state of the actuating device 64 from theaccessible state to the inaccessible state when the hydraulic sensor1667 does not sense the change in the pressure of the first chamber C1for a waiting time in the accessible state.

With the electrical seatpost assembly 1618, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the electrical seatpostassembly 1418 in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment.

Since the seating sensor 1466 includes the hydraulic sensor 1667, it ispossible to sense that the rider is on the saddle 20 base on thepressure of the hydraulic chamber (e.g., the first chamber C1).

The configurations of the rear derailleur in accordance with each of theabove embodiments can be at least partly applied to the frontderailleur.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from thepresent disclosure that the structures and/or configurations of theabove embodiments can be at least partly combined with each other.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similarmeaning, for example, the terms “have”, “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member”, “section”, “portion”, “part”, “element”, “body”, and“structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section orpart of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructedand/or programmed to carry out the desired function. The desiredfunction can be carried out by hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the presentapplication are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings,for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, theterm “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “secondelement”, and the term “second element” itself does not imply anexistence of “first element.”

The term “pair of”, as used herein, can encompass the configuration inwhich the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from eachother in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elementshave the same shapes or structures as each other.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical seatpost assembly comprising: afirst cylinder comprising: a first end; and a second end opposite to thefirst end in a telescopic direction; and a second cylindertelescopically received in the first cylinder from the first end; aguide member disposed between the first cylinder and the second cylinderto slidably guide the second cylinder with respect to the firstcylinder; a positioning structure to adjustably position the secondcylinder relative to the first cylinder in the telescopic direction; anelectrical actuator to actuate the positioning structure in accordancewith an electrical signal; and an electrical device mounted to the firstcylinder, an upper end of the electrical device being disposed above alower end of the guide member in the telescopic direction in a mountingstate where the first cylinder is mounted to a bicycle frame.
 2. Theelectrical seatpost assembly according to claim 1, wherein the guidemember is provided at the first end.
 3. The electrical seatpost assemblyaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a seal provided at the firstend to seal a gap between the first and second cylinders, wherein theupper end of the electrical device is disposed above a lower end of theseal in the telescopic direction in the mounting state.
 4. Theelectrical seatpost assembly according to claim 3, wherein the firstcylinder includes a cover member provided at the first end, and at leastone of the guide member and the seal is disposed between the covermember and the second cylinder in the direction perpendicular to thetelescopic direction.
 5. The electrical seatpost assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the electrical device is configured to receive at leastone of an electrical input and a mechanical input.
 6. The electricalseatpost assembly according to claim 5, wherein the electrical deviceincludes a wireless receiver to wirelessly receive a wireless signal. 7.The electrical seatpost assembly according to claim 6, wherein theelectrical device includes a pairing switch to switch a mode of thewireless receiver to a pairing mode.
 8. The electrical seatpost assemblyaccording to claim 6, wherein the first cylinder includes a cover memberprovided at the first end, and the cover member includes a resinmaterial.
 9. The electrical seatpost assembly according to claim 1,wherein the electrical device includes a start switch to turn theelectrical actuator on.
 10. The electrical seatpost assembly accordingto claim 1, wherein the electrical device includes an operating switchto operate the electrical actuator to actuate the positioning structure.11. The electrical seatpost assembly according to claim 1, wherein theelectrical device includes a control substrate.
 12. The electricalseatpost assembly according to claim 1, wherein the electrical deviceincludes an indicator provided outside the first cylinder and the secondcylinder to indicate seatpost information relating to the electricalseatpost assembly.
 13. The electrical seatpost assembly according toclaim 12, wherein the seatpost information includes a remaining batterylevel of a battery to supply electrical power to the electricalactuator.
 14. The electrical seatpost assembly according to claim 1,wherein the electrical device includes a charging port to receiveelectrical power to charge a battery.
 15. The electrical seatpostassembly according to claim 1, wherein the electrical device is providedon a front side of the guide member in the mounting state.
 16. Theelectrical seatpost assembly according to claim 1, wherein the firstcylinder includes a cover member provided at the first end, the covermember includes an outer peripheral surface, and the electrical deviceis provided not to protrude radially outwardly from the outer peripheralsurface of the cover member.
 17. The electrical seatpost assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the electrical device includes at leastone power receiving port to receive electrical power from an externalpower supply.
 18. The electrical seatpost assembly according to claim17, wherein the at least one power receiving port is movably mountedrelative to the first cylinder in a circumferential direction of thefirst cylinder.
 19. The electrical seatpost assembly according to claim17, wherein the at least one power receiving port includes a pluralityof power receiving ports, and the plurality of power receiving ports arespaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the firstcylinder.
 20. The electrical seatpost assembly according to claim 1,wherein the electrical device includes a battery.
 21. The electricalseatpost assembly according to claim 20, wherein the first cylinderincludes a cover member provided at the first end, and the battery isdetachably attached to the cover member.
 22. The electrical seatpostassembly according to claim 20, wherein the first cylinder includes acover member provided at the first end, and one of the electrical deviceand the cover member includes a charging port to receive electricalpower to charge the battery.
 23. The electrical seatpost assemblyaccording to claim 20, wherein the battery is provided on a rear side ofthe cover member in the mounting state.
 24. The electrical seatpostassembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a connecting part,wherein the electrical actuator includes a motor, the motor is providedat the second end of the first cylinder, and the connecting partelectrically connects the electrical device to the motor.
 25. Theelectrical seatpost assembly according to claim 24, wherein theconnecting part includes an electronic substrate electrically connectingthe electrical device to the motor.
 26. The electrical seatpost assemblyaccording to claim 24, wherein the first cylinder includes anaccommodation part accommodating the connecting part.
 27. An electricalseatpost assembly comprising: a first cylinder; a second cylindertelescopically received in the first cylinder; a positioning structureto adjustably position the second cylinder relative to the firstcylinder in the telescopic direction; an electrical actuator to actuatethe positioning structure in accordance with an electrical signal; andan indicator to indicate seatpost information relating to the electricalseatpost assembly, the indicator being mounted to the first cylinder.28. The electrical seatpost assembly according to claim 27, wherein theindicator includes one of a light emitting element and a display. 29.The electrical seatpost assembly according to claim 27, wherein theseatpost information includes a remaining battery level of a battery tosupply electrical power to the electrical actuator.
 30. The electricalseatpost assembly according to claim 29, further comprising: the batteryto supply the electrical power to the electrical actuator.
 31. Theelectrical seatpost assembly according to claim 29, wherein theindicator indicates the remaining battery level of the battery when theelectrical actuator is turned on.
 32. The electrical seatpost assemblyaccording to claim 29, wherein the indicator indicates the remainingbattery level of the battery when the indicator receives an indicationcommand signal.
 33. The electrical seatpost assembly according to claim32, further comprising: an indication operating device to generate theindication command signal.
 34. The electrical seatpost assemblyaccording to claim 33, wherein the indication operating device isprovided on one of the first cylinder and the second cylinder.
 35. Theelectrical seatpost assembly according to claim 27, wherein theindicator is provided on a front side of the first cylinder in amounting state where the first cylinder is mounted to a bicycle frame.36. An electrical seatpost assembly comprising: a first cylinder; asecond cylinder telescopically received in the first cylinder; apositioning structure to adjustably position the second cylinderrelative to the first cylinder in the telescopic direction, thepositioning structure having a movable member movably provided in amovement direction parallel to the telescopic direction; an actuatingdevice to actuate the positioning structure by moving the movable memberin the movement direction, the actuating device having an accessiblestate where the actuating device is controlled in accordance with anelectrical signal, and an inaccessible state where the actuating deviceis not controlled in accordance with an electrical signal; and achanging device to change a state of the actuating device between theaccessible state and the inaccessible state.
 37. The electrical seatpostassembly according to claim 36, wherein the changing device includes amanual switch.
 38. The electrical seatpost assembly according to claim37, wherein the manual switch is provided on an outer peripheral surfaceof one of the first cylinder and the second cylinder.
 39. The electricalseatpost assembly according to claim 36, wherein the changing deviceincludes a sensor and automatically changes the state of the actuatingdevice between the accessible state and the inaccessible state based ona sensing result of the sensor.
 40. The electrical seatpost assemblyaccording to claim 39, wherein the changing device includes a vibrationsensor to sense vibration of a bicycle.
 41. The electrical seatpostassembly according to claim 39, wherein the changing device includes aseating sensor to sense that a rider is on a saddle mounted to theelectrical seatpost assembly.
 42. The electrical seatpost assemblyaccording to claim 41, wherein the seating sensor includes a strainsensor to sense strain of the electrical seatpost assembly.
 43. Theelectrical seatpost assembly according to claim 41, wherein the seatingsensor includes an air pressure sensor to sense a pressure in an airchamber of the electrical seatpost assembly.
 44. The electrical seatpostassembly according to claim 41, wherein the seating sensor includes ahydraulic sensor to sense a pressure in a hydraulic chamber of theelectrical seatpost assembly.
 45. The electrical seatpost assemblyaccording to claim 39, wherein the seating sensor is provided in thepositioning structure.
 46. The electrical seatpost assembly according toclaim 36, wherein the changing device changes the state of the actuatingdevice from the accessible state to the inaccessible state when thechanging device does not receive an input for a waiting time in theaccessible state.
 47. The electrical seatpost assembly according toclaim 36, wherein the actuating device includes a wireless receiver towirelessly receive a wireless signal, and an electrical actuator toactuate the positioning structure in accordance with the wirelesssignal, and the wireless receiver wirelessly receives the wirelesssignal in the accessible state of the actuating device.
 48. Theelectrical seatpost assembly according to claim 36, wherein theactuating device includes an electrical actuator to actuate thepositioning structure based on a wireless signal, the electricalseatpost assembly further comprising: an operating switch to operate theelectrical actuator to actuate the positioning structure without thewireless signal.